The Not-So Great Outdoors
by Madeline Kloepper (Author)
A reluctant camper discovers that the (not-so) great outdoors can be just as exciting as screens and skyscrapers in this playful picture book celebration of the pleasures of unplugging and embracing nature.
What's so great about the great outdoors? A grumpy urban kid begrudgingly accompanies her family on a summer camping trip, missing all the sublime sights right under her nose as she longs for the lights and stimulation of the city. But as she explores forests, lakes and mountains, and encounters bears, beavers and caribou, she slowly comes to realize that the simpler things are just as sparkly, that the sky is its own majestic light show, and the symphony is all around. The Not-So Great Outdoors is a humorous and richly imagined reminder of the beauty and magic that can be found away from the city and our screens.
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School Library Journal
Gr 1-3--On a camping trip with her family, a confirmed city girl wonders why her parents are so keen to go experience "the great outdoors." There is nothing good out there--no power, no buildings, and no playgrounds. There are no pretty lights to look at or buildings for shelter. On the trip, they see caves, bears, and songbirds, but it is not as appealing as the city. However, catching a fish is awesome, and the animals do clever things to get what they need from the environment. The sunsets are beautiful and eating food they catch and cook over an open fire is delicious. The night sky is so amazing that the girl does not mind missing her favorite show. This story quaintly shows how a young girl goes from an indifference to nature to appreciating it and capturing loads of photos to bring back to her urban home. The illustrations are intricate and beautifully done. This book will appeal to a niche group who appreciate detailed drawings to help tell the story. VERDICT A lovely addition, but one that will probably appeal more to the older range of students.--Nicole Detter-Smith, Homestead High School, IN
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
One of the New York Public Library's Best Books for Kids 2019 PRAISE FOR The Not-So Great Outdoors: "Watching this protagonist's reluctant change of heart won't get old; neither will the beckoning scenes of the great outdoors." —Kirkus Reviews "The book has a clever and convincing structure ... Kloepper's color palette is gorgeous and deep." —Imaginary Elevators
"The illustrations take up a full spread of pages and are so lush and enticing that they will make even the most staunch opponent of the outdoors agree that nature can still be beautiful and appealing." —CM Magazine "This is an unexpected love letter to nature that explicitly encourages children to consider the relationship between text and pictures." —Quill & Quire
"It makes for an entertaining game of I spy if one looks for the items on each page . . . . The story inspires children to appreciate nature." —Resource Links
JUV029010 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | Environment
JUV032170 - Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation | Camping & Outdoor Activities
Mountaineering
Wilderness survival
