FRIENDS OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS

An elderly man inspires children to go on a woodland adventure in Thornhill’s picture book.

One day while caring for three kids, Pop Pop relates a story about how humans used to be outdoors more often than they are now. Monty, George, and Rui are unconvinced that outside is better than inside. After all, the indoors has video games and the fridge. So Pop Pop regales them with wildlife encounters until they’re itching to find what he calls the “treasure of the woodland collector.” The trio venture into the woods and observe various signs of wildlife, including deer scat, animal tracks, and lots of different birds. After determining that birds are builders, and not the mysterious woodland collector, they continue past mushrooms and fallen trees. Suddenly, the kids see an animal acting strangely as it hops inside a rotten log, and they soon solve the mystery. Thornhill delivers an inspiring story that may cause youngsters to ask their caregivers to hurry up and book an outdoor camping trip. In full-color cartoon illustrations, Stone gives each of the diverse kids their own unique style, and he takes care with the background illustrations to create a fully immersive world. The book also includes well-researched nonfiction backmatter about engaging the five senses in the woods during observations.

A well-illustrated and engaging nature quest for kids.