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.
On sale: May 14, 2019
Age: 3-7 years
Grade: Preschool - 2
Page count: 40 Pages
ISBN: 9780735264175
Reading level: Fountas/Pinnell: K
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.
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.” --
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