Cover Image: In the Woods

In the Woods

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Member Reviews

The concept for In the Woods-An Adventure For Your Senses is brilliant. To take education and disguise it as fun is not an easy task. This was accomplished in the book. The illustrations and text are beautiful and detailed. The desire to go for a hike in the woods will overwhelm the senses, even if that was never a prior thought. The educational addition at the end of the story is exceptional. It describes not only many things found in nature, but also the weather and the positions of the sun. This is a creative endeavor that can be equally enjoyed at home and in a classroom setting. Thank you for creating a book that is so harmonious with the senses!

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fantastic book! There are bright colorful pictures, different ways if sharing information, and a ton of talking points! I can't wait for a physical copy to add to my kindergarten classroom library.

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In The Woods is a beautifully illustrated children’s book detailing two children’s journey through the woods with their guardian. The book features lots of sensory imagery and bright colored pages to capture its audiences attention.

It’s on the longer side and my little one was distracted by the end of it but it was still enjoyable to read and engage him with.

**I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers

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Combining color and whimsy to the structure of a field guide, In the Woods is a simplistic story about a family eager for a day outdoors.

While it’s tagline declares it to be, “An adventure for your senses,” the experience fell short for both myself and my fellow readers (ages 5, 7, and 9). Instead of the bounty of sensory developments we hoped to share with the characters, the first third of the book featured little more than words delineating items on a page while the family packed. As my oldest commented, “This feels like a grocery list.” Unfortunately, once the principal characters made their way through the woods, the narrative only further devolved.

While Mariona Tolosa Sisteré’s illustrations are brilliant and creative, the story itself reads like a “First 100 Words” board book, Already underwhelmed, my readers lost interest before the final page. That being said, I truly believe the err was on account of our audience’s age. Hoping the story would elaborate on the textures, sounds, scents, sights, and treats the woods had to offer, we were left wanting when a page's only text read, “Chirp chirp. Wow!” However, when placed in the hands of toddlers, pre-K teachers, and librarians, I believe this book has the potential to yield an adventure where each page’s color captivates as much as the next.

Thank you to NetaGalley and Owlkids Books for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. A great picture book about exploring the outdoors with your family.

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Have you ever gone for a walk with children in the woods? For that matter, the park, just down the street or even your own backyard? If so, this one will make you smile. It's a cute story of one family's walk in the woods but it's also a teaching adventure on how to engage their attention and focus their senses on seeing, really seeing, what is all around them. I'd say patience is a key.

The illustrations are simple and direct, most carrying a subtle message. For instance, as the book opens one child is worried the then current storm may ruin their planned outing tomorrow. The mother is then seen directing them to check the forecast, noting sunshine is forecast. In other words, use all the sources at your disposal to be ready. As the story progresses, it was interesting to see few things initially in the illustrations to attract their attention. As the story progresses, however, and they are reminded to direct their attention on more than what is right in front of their faces, so to speak, the illustrations become more populated.

Noises can reveal a bird or squirrel, for instance, while, umm, animal waste reveals what was there. Here in Alaska we learn this one quickly, bear scat often being what warns us a bear may be in the area, for example. No bear encounters here, phew, but by the end of the outing they've seen and studied any number of flora and fauna and critters that were initially invisible to their more unfocused frame of mind as they first set out. I also liked the "be prepared" strategy utilized. From sunscreen to bandages and such, minor nicks and scratches were taken care of easily.

Bottom line, an excellent reminder of not just the fun to be had getting outdoors but how to fully take in the experience. Engage your senses, not just your eyes, in other words. Children should enjoy the story and the experiences of this family can provide an opening to discuss what's expected, both behavior wise and what's to be seen, but how to navigate a trail. Thanks #NetGalley and #OwlKidsBooks for taking me along on this fun walk. I imagine I'd have come home with scores of photos taken as we walked. I'm like that. Ha

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In The Woods is a beautifully illustrated story with a terrific theme about people's interconnectedness with nature. Planning, seasons, and the 5 senses are also discussed. First published in Spain, this book resonates in North America as well. The illustrations provide excellent support for the text, offering more information on a number of science topics. The 10 pages of back matter will inspire young naturalists to take to the trail and explore the great outdoors.

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Delightful illustrations; great concept! We will definitely be revisiting this before our next hike. I really appreciated that there was a narrative section where a family went on a hike and showed their preparations and then their adventure, and then a guide to walking in nature at the end. Engaging and helpful for new hikers!

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This book is about exploring all the aspects of nature. I especially love the end pages full of nature facts and ways to enjoy nature using all your senses.

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This is such a unique way of educating children in how to behave around the natural world, in a colorful book that seems like a story but is also non fiction and with so many good lists on its pages and extras at the end of the book.

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A cute book that teaches kids to plan ahead on outdoor adventures. It also teaches them how to use their senses to appreciate outdoors!

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