The illustrations are great! Makes you want to go out and explore nature. There are many things to find outdoors but children now a days are all about technology. I believe this book is a great way to introduce outdoors and slowly move from there into actually being outdoors! ( )

Children are increasingly disconnected from nature. Immersing children in nature is essential in nurturing physical and mental well-being as well as encouraging environmental stewardship.

THE NOT-SO GREAT OUTDOORS by Madeline Kloepper tells the story of a city dweller who reluctantly learns the joys of adventures in nature. Featuring a diverse family, this colorful and visually rich story will feel familiar to many city and rural dwellers alike.

Extensions:

KIDS IN THE PARK from the National Park Service introduces young people to the national parks. Help a child become a Junior Ranger. Go to https://www.nps.gov/kids.

PARKS CANADA XPLORERS has a program that encourages young adventures visiting Parks Canada locations. Go to https://bit.ly/36ETw0w.

ARC courtesy of Tundra an imprint of Penguin/Random House. ( )

An outdoor enthusiast, I was excited to receive this title for Early Reviewers. The overall message is great; get away from the rat race and experience the natural world. The final message of "maybe it's alright to spend some time with the herd..." depicts both the acquired joy of wildlfe and family adventure. Mixed media is digitally finished, often darker than I'd like to see and the cover depicts the young girl's anger but I'd be more drawn to a happier scene! Overall, the story and art work well together and certainly a lesson we all can enjoy. ( )

A city family -mom, dad, young girl, and her little brother- leave their vibrant multicultural city neighborhood for a camping vacation in the wilderness. The girl is bored and unhappy at first, missing the sights and sounds of her city while ignoring the wonders surrounding her. After spotting a family of bears by the roadside, however, she starts to see and appreciate the beauty of nature.

I liked the fact that her parents and younger brother ignored her pouting, not fussing with her to “join in” the fun, but let her come to her own realization that the outdoors can be a pretty cool place.

Another plus is the artwork, the stylized drawings and deep earthy colors evoking the outdoors and complimenting the story.

The only off note for me was the appearance of a “Bigfoot” type character running off when the family explores a cave. Anything’s possible in nature, I guess.

Nice book. ( )

I like how this book shows both sides of how children think about things they are not aware of. Nobody wants to give up all the fun things summer brings, but being open to new adventures can be fun too.

Thank you LibraryThing for letting me be an early reader ( )