Young Billie takes Bean out for a stroll, but has trouble finding her way back to the apartment. Luckily, everyone she encounters is kind, and helpful. This is a sweet and gentle tale of exploration, bravery, and urban adventure.

3.5 stars.
Billie and Bean are at home while their mum has gone out to do the laundry. Billie decides to take Bean out for a short walk by herself. This is the first time she's done this and she decides to just go around the block. They encounter some people before ending up in the park, at which point Billie gets scared because she can't figure out where she is with respect to home. Thankfully, Bean knows the way back.

The illustrations are so cute, and I remember when kids, including me, would be out of the house for hours, exploring the neighbourhood. This story is sweet, and is a low stress way to talk about learning to be independent.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Orca Book Publishers for this ARC in exchange for my review.

This was such a delightful read!

It opens up many doors for different conversations with a child about safety and exploring their community.

I absolutely adored this book. I loved the art style, especially the scene in the coffee shop. I love how simple but true the relationship between little girl and dog is shown.

I loved the illustrations of Billie and Bean walking through the city. There is a bird's-eye-view of the city that was breathtaking. The story itself felt a bit disjointed and it failed to address Billie getting lost in a meaningful way.