The Hike, Alison Farrell
“The Hike is a plucky and sweet adventure story about three intrepid young female explorers set out to conquer the outdoors in their local forest.”
I’ll admit it; I’m a hiker. And I’m sure I’m a little biased when it comes to books about hiking. But kids’ hiking books can leave a little to be desired - mainly, imagination. That is why this book is so much better than those stuffy, “explore the outdoors!” books that gloss over the things kids hate about hiking and are ultimately non-fiction masquerading as fiction (and true non-fiction writers, you know I love you). The Hike is funny, and it tells an adventure story that is not at all informational or preachy, so when Farrell starts labeling plants and animals with their proper names, it’s not annoying. Rather, it just seems like part of her adorable illustration style. And kids get out of breath! That’s important! Kids HATE to get out of breath! And they fall behind. Kids HATE to be last! But kids LOVE discovery, and weird facts, and this book is full of them. LOVE!
Why for kids: Wren, El, and Hattie (and Bean, the dog) are super cute. Actually, all the illustrations are adorable. Non-supervised exploration…in the woods! Invasive plants take over the world.
Why for parents: The back matter is SO GOOD! You can read this one multiple times — and admit it, you can get a little tired of reading the same book umpteen times — and still find little details to point out. It’s also so packed full of facts that there will be at least one that takes you by surprise. I thought I had read lots about trees but did I know what a nurse tree was? No, but now I do!