The Hike

This lovely chronicle of an outdoor adventure by Farrell (Cycle City) introduces Wren, El, Hattie, and Bean the dog, for whom hiking is "our favorite thing to do." Setting off together, the group plans to head through a winding forest path and celebrate sunset at the peak of Buck Mountain (which various wildlife clues place in the Pacific Northwest). The trio exudes an easygoing confidence and egalitarianism--the handwritten narration is always in the collective we, and Hattie, the littlest, is a valued contributor to the cause ("Hattie always finds the route"). This sense of camaraderie, along with direct writing and that enthusiasm that animates the detailed, naïf-style art, quickly draws in the reader. After a fast start ("In the beginning, we run like maniacs"), the team begins savoring their surroundings; dialogue balloons ("Achoo," Bean says, spotting a deer) and insets from Wren's sketchbook amplify the action, while unobtrusive but diligent flora and fauna labels ("a stand of red alder trees," "glacial striations") underscore the idea that everything under the sun can be both named and notable. Readers may find it difficult to resist the call of the wild after closing the cover. Ages 3-5. Agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. (Oct.)

Gr 2-4--Adventure is their middle name! Wren, El, and Hattie are three best friends who love to hike more than anything else. Their individual strengths complement one another as they make their way along the trail: Wren takes field notes, El teaches how to build leaf baskets to carry berries, and Hattie navigates using the map when they get lost. And their faithful canine companion, Bean, is there with them every step of the way. Beautifully illustrated, each page beckons readers in to explore, as a plethora of information can be found in every secret corner. The abundant detail means something new can be found in every reading. Unlike most picture books, the text is not the primary focus: the progression of the hike is told equally through the images, field notes, onomatopoeia, word bubbles, and short, deliberate sentences. Much like a true hike, movement and discovery in this story are punctuated by moments of reflection. The final pages are nearly wordless, allowing the reader to appreciate the achievement the girls have made. Readers will enjoy the addition of Wren's field notes at the end of the book as they give more information about the flora and fauna observed on the hike. VERDICT This is a perfect addition to elementary school libraries to support nontraditional readers who love the great outdoors.--Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver Public Library