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The Not-So Great Outdoors

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The Not-So Great Outdoors

Hardcover

$17.99

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Hardcover
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Overview

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.

Product Details
About the Author

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780735264175
Publisher:	Tundra
Publication date:	05/14/2019
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

MADELINE KLOEPPER, a graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, brings wise-beyond-her-years illustrations full of lushness and adventure in her debut picture book as both author and illustrator. Madeline grew up in the lower mainland of British Columbia amidst a sea of humans and spent a few years in Vancouver; she has since migrated northward to Prince George. Her work is influenced by childhood, nostalgia and the relationships we forge with nature, no doubt inspired by her love of exploring the Pacific Northwest. She is also the illustrator of Robert Heidbreder's Rooster Summer and M.H. Clark's Tiny, Perfect Things.

MADELINE KLOEPPER, a graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, brings wise-beyond-her-years illustrations full of lushness and adventure in her debut picture book as both author and illustrator. Madeline grew up in the lower mainland of British Columbia amidst a sea of humans and spent a few years in Vancouver; she has since migrated northward to Prince George. Her work is influenced by childhood, nostalgia and the relationships we forge with nature, no doubt inspired by her love of exploring the Pacific Northwest. She is also the illustrator of Robert Heidbreder's Rooster Summer and M.H. Clark's Tiny, Perfect Things.

From the B&N Reads Blog

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Editorial Reviews

On Quill & Quire’s Kidlit Spring Preview 2019, Picture Books
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

“The illustrations are intricate and beautifully done. This book will appeal to a niche group who appreciate detailed drawings to help tell the story.” —School Library Journal

“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

From the Publisher

06/01/2019
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

School Library Journal

2019-03-03
A school-age kid is grumpy about going on a family camping trip but eventually comes to appreciate what the outdoors has to offer.
Standing on the street in a very cool town, with its artsy soap and pottery stands and street musician, our protagonist, arms folded, tells the other kids, "I have no idea why we have to ‘venture into the great outdoors' this summer," but off they go, leaving the city behind and driving straight into the mountains. "It's not like there's anything out here," the narrator continues, as the landscape turns thick with wildlife. "There's no electricity," is the next complaint, as the protagonist sits glumly, ignoring the campfire. The narrator misses the "city lights" even as mom points up at the aurora borealis. The others seem oblivious to this disgruntlement as they frolic, take pictures, and explore. After they spot bears (from the safety of the car), the narrator comes around. "Well, I guess I could get by with songbirds instead of street performers." Fishing, biking, and incredible views are none too shabby either. The mixed-media illustrations use short strokes and deep color to render the fullness of the land with a calm energy. The narrator has brown skin and straight, black hair, as do baby sib and mom; dad presents white.
Watching this protagonist's reluctant change of heart won't get old; neither will the beckoning scenes of the great outdoors. (Picture book. 5-9)

Kirkus Reviews

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