This was an incredible book about learning not only camping tips but also that sometimes we need to learn to love nature and what it can offer us. It is a great picture book that will teach us to value life, connect with family, and learn to take those much-needed pauses from our daily busy lives.

A realistic introduction to canoe camping. A great prep for little campers, presenting the hard parts and the rewarding parts. Also a gentle reminder of the importance of experiencing nature first hand.

On a camping trip Far Far Away, Rowan is struggling to find beauty in the comforts outside of his home and appreciate the time away from modern society. But with Mom and Mama close by Rowan is going to discover the beauty in nature and that different is sometimes incredibly special.
A sweet story of connecting with nature and that hard work pays off this book is great for outdoor enthusiasts and those with different family structures!

Sometimes you have to go far, far away to appreciate the world around you." This blurb perfectly encapsulates the essence of the book.

Rowan, Mom, and Mama embark on a canoe camping trip, which involves portaging their supplies between waterways. Rowan is initially very excited about the adventure. However, the intense heat, hunger, and persistent mosquitoes soon take their toll. Tired, annoyed, and grumbling, he struggles to find joy in the experience. But quality time spent with Mom and Mama ultimately changes his perspective.

As someone new to the concept of canoe camping, this book gave me a newfound appreciation for the joys and challenges of forgoing urban comforts, even for a short period. This story is a gentle reminder of the power of nature and family, making it a heartwarming read. I highly recommend it for families looking to introduce their children to the beauty of nature and the rewards of perseverance, as well as anyone seeking a quiet, reflective adventure.

What a cute book about mom, mama and rowan's camping trip to BWCA. Although the book is based on a camping trip to the Superior National Forest, in part of the historic and ancestral homeland of the Anishinaba people, the story doesn't go into any details about it. This is mainly a sweet camping story (vs it being an educational story), a perfect quick read about how the journey to camping can be difficult and difficult for littles ones. It would be great to read in preparation for a camping trip with the Littles or even to bring along the journey.

I think it's amazing that part of the proceeds will be donated by the author to "Friends of the Boundry Waters and Indigenous Environmental Network". As well as how in the back of the book it tells a little bit about Canoe Camping. I do, however, wish the story intertwined some of these details to make for a story that featured some details and info about the specific area.

Camping is not always pleasant and this adorable picture book does a great job of showing the downsides as well as the benefits of being in nature. This book is set in The Boundary Waters Canoe area in the Superior National Forest and features wildlife and sights that can be seen there. Mom, Mama, and little Rowan canoe, portage, and camp. When Rowan begins to feel down and wants to go home, Mom and Mama show him the amazing sight of the Milky Way and the Northern Lights seen in all their glory without light pollution.

Recommended for little campers and their families. This book is a delight for those who love nature and LGBT+ representation.

Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for providing the eARC to review!

Honestly, I struggled a little with this book. While well-written, and accompanied by beautiful art, I struggled with the way the message seemed to override the child's feelings in the book. I get the importance of the message that there are going to be challenges in life - and I understand that very well from my own life - and that learning to push through when things get tough is important. Yet, I also think that's a detrimental outlook. One we already see has left a damaging impact on society for generations upon generations.

There were so many moments where this child was having totally understandable feelings about things yet it felt like the two adults in his life - his mothers who are supposed to bring comfort - are just pushing aside his feelings in the name of "you'll like this, we promise" and having experienced stuff like that as a kid myself, it did not make me like it. There were moments where recognizing he is a child they could have let him rest after a little bit while they finished the rest of the work and still the lessons could've been taught just in a better way. Also, like, this trip is what they chose as a first camping trip to introduce this child - who is still learning how to handle big emotions - and still couldn't be easier on him throughout it all.

I don't know, I think the main message here overshadows a more important one, and I don't really like that choice. This isn't a book I'd choose to read to a child given that factor, and I'd say that if a parent does choose to read this book to their child, I hope that they take the time to recognize this issue and handle it better than the book did itself.

I enjoyed "Far Far Away" by Molly Beth Griffin with illustrations by Bao Luu. This is a beautifully illustrated book which shows the wonders and struggles of canoe camping. Highly recommended.

This is a very sweet story of how you can overcome being uncomfortable. I feel this is something more kids need to know how to do! The main character, with the help of his family, is able see the beauties of being in the outdoors, despite leaving the comforts of home.

Far, Far Away is the story of an adventurous boy named Rowan, and his Mom and Mama who all decide to go canoe camping one day. At first, Rowan is excited by the sights and animals, but then he begins to realize camping is a lot of work and scarier than he anticipated. Once Rowan, Mom and Mama settle in for the night, he realizes he’s not enjoying his time camping and becomes very upset. Acknowledging that their son is far outside of his comfort zone, Mom and Mama bring Rowan outside so that he’s able to take pleasure in nature that they don’t have in the city. Rowan realizes that his camping trip is not so bad after all, and he looks forward to the rest of his trip with Mom and Mama.

Far far away was a feel good story. Sometimes we are so focused on the comfort of our walls that we do not think to step outside and enjoy other things that are beautiful. We miss on so many things that we should find time to admire.

In a very subtle way, far, far away tells kids how to do just that. It might be difficult but it's worth it.

Thank you Netgalley and Charlesbridge publication for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

4⭐
A stunning picture book that celebrates new adventures, the beauty of nature & gaining new perspective. Will definitely pick it up again soon with my son.

Thank you NetGalley and Charlesbridge for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Far Far Away by Molly Beth Griffin is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book that takes young readers on a fun camping adventure. The story follows a young child who embarks on a journey through a world filled with wonder, love, and a deep connection to family.

One of the most touching aspects of Far Far Away is its positive and inclusive representation of same-sex parents. The story lovingly highlights a family dynamic that is diverse, showing that love, care, and support are the most important parts of any family, no matter who makes it up. This representation provides young readers with a beautiful example of love in all its forms and helps promote acceptance and understanding.

The illustrations are warm and inviting, making the adventure feel even more special. The story's gentle message of family and love, paired with its inclusive approach, makes Far Far Away an important and heartwarming read for children. It’s a wonderful book for sparking meaningful conversations about diversity and the many different ways families can look.

Far, Far Away is a very cute journey about a boy named Rowan and his trek far, far away from home to go canoe camping. His journey is one of child-like wonder and resilience. Ms. Griffin does a wonderful job of capturing the sounds and sights of the wilderness. She also does a great job of capturing the emotions of a worn out child. I love that she captures that hard work is worth it in the end when you can see what you've worked so hard for.

Thank you for granting me access to this ARC!

My partner enjoys going on long, backpacking trips with his canoe. I’ve been on the hunt for outdoorsy books that he will enjoy reading to our child. This will be a great book to introduce when she’s a bit older and he goes away on a trip. It might help spark interest for her to join him one day! I enjoyed the storyline and the inclusive characters. Beautiful illustrations. Great job!

A book about a boy named Rowan and his first canoe camping trip in Northern Minnesota. It's hard - but there are things that make it worth it!
I enjoyed the book and so did my preschooler, who liked looking for the animals amongst different pages as Rowan's family made their portaging journeys. I also like how it doesn't overly romanticize or gloss over the "icky" parts of camping - like freezing lakes with slimy water weeds, rehyrdated foot that may not be appealing to first timers/young kids, and latrines. But despite the real-life elements, this book is adept at capturing the good memories and connection with nature that can be found on most camping trips - and some of the best parts of camping "far, far away" from city lights and civilization. It's written in language that is understandable for smaller children and does a great job of showing the work that goes into planning a long backpacking or canoe camping trip for anyone who hasn't been on one before.

I appreciate a book that shows the good and the bad of a situation instead of just glossing over it and saying it’s all good. A lack of conflict doesn’t help children learn about varying degrees of enjoyment from tasks. This paints a realistic picture of camping and portaging, and I think that matters that expectations be set in a reasonable way. Lovely art and simple story.

Ever gone camping with someone who just couldn't seem to get into the spirit of things and just kept complaining? That's the way it is for Rowan for most of the family camping trip up in the Northwoods. But even complainers can learn to enjoy The Great Outdoors!
The illustrations by Bao Luu are intricate, brilliantly colorful, and FUN!
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age from 3 and up, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected eGalley on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Pub Date Apr 29, 2025
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This book does a great job of showing off that families might look different than yours, but love is always what makes a family. This story follows Rowan and his two moms who are canoe camping. It shows exactly what you need to do to portage a canoe, prepare your campsite, but all while making it a fun experience. Rowan is just like any other kid and sometimes he gets bored and tired along the way. This is a fantastic book for families that go camping deep in the woods, especially those who canoe camp! I will be purchasing this for my physical library!

Sweet story and sweet illustrations for a story about going camping with two of his favorite people. I didn't realize it was about two moms, which is not something I would have in my house, but I can see it being good for some. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.