The Hike - by Alison Farrell (Hardcover)

About the Book

Three friends set out on a day hike to explore their local forest, intending to climb to the top of the hill, where they will plant a flag, read a poem, and release feathers into the wind.

Book Synopsis

The Hike is a must-have for budding scientists, best friends, and all adventurers in preschool and kindergarten.

"These young explorers demonstrate the best principles of time spent in the woods: observing, admiring and learning. And, through their delightfully illustrated adventure, so do we."--The New York Times

A plucky and sweet adventure story, The Hike celebrates how fun and rewarding it is to explore nature in your own backyard!

Three intrepid young female explorers set out to conquer the outdoors in their local forest, enjoying the process in their own different ways. Wren brings a sketchbook and a flag, El brings a poetry notebook, and Hattie brings feathers (and holds Bean the dog's leash). They get lost and use maps to find their way. They draw wildlife, spot deer tracks, and see a deer before it startles and disappears, all before they finally and joyfully reach their destination.

Filled with lyrical language that captures the majesty of the natural world, coupled with a fun narrative, this spirited picture book tells the story of the girls' friendship--and their tribulations and triumphs in the great outdoors.

ARTFUL AND EDUCATIONAL: The book includes Wren's sketchbook that highlights discoveries the kids make along the trail, plus a glossary, scientific backmatter, and abundant labels of the flora and fauna of a Western woodland throughout for learning about various plants and animals.

A WONDERFUL GIFT: This adorable book makes a perfect present for the littlest nature lovers and families that love the outdoors.

RAVE REVIEWS: "Beautifully illustrated . . . This is a perfect addition to elementary school libraries to support readers who love the great outdoors." --School Library Journal; "Utterly satisfying."--Kirkus Reviews

Perfect for:

• Parents and grandparents of kids who like to explore outside
• Teachers and librarians looking for an outdoors-themed book
• Fans of children's books like We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury, The Bad Seed by Jory John, and We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines

Review Quotes

"[A] lovely chronicle of an outdoor adventure... Readers may find it difficult to resist the call of the wild after closing the cover."--Publishers Weekly

"Beautifully illustrated . . . This is a perfect addition to elementary school libraries to support readers who love the great outdoors."--School Library Journal

"These young explorers demonstrate the best principles of time spent in the woods: observing, admiring and learning. And, through their delightfully illustrated adventure, so do we."--The New York Times

"Well-designed pictures create a depth and fullness that immerse readers in the forest. Endmatter makes clever use of Wren's sketch pad to offer additional information about things seen in the woods. Utterly satisfying."--Kirkus Review, Starred

"[The Hike] is a delightful field guide for young outdoor enthusiasts, rich with everything from instructions on how to make a leaf basket for foraged berries to scientific labels and tips for identifying animal tracks, constellations, and moon phases. The illustrations represent a multiracial female cast of burgeoning botanists and naturalists enjoying the outdoors, including one particularly beautiful spread where the girls release collected bird feathers into the wind." -Booklist

About the Author

Alison Farrell has a BA in painting and an MSE in art education. Her first book was Cycle City, and she lives in Portland, Oregon.