Wide Open Spaces - by Robyn McGrath (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Embark on a wild and whimsical road trip when a cramped family car transforms into a child's mindful, imaginative escape. With each mile, nature's wonders offer relief, turning restless moments into a journey of calm, curiosity, and learning the joys of paying attention to the present.

Gram's words echo in my ear, "Not long now."

So begins an epic journey to Grandma's house, squeezed in a car with four siblings, two parents, and one furry drooler named Daisy. Mile after mile, there are snack bags and bathroom breaks, curvy roads and upset stomachs, and "How much longer?" set on repeat.

I close my eyes and imagine . . .

What would it be like to dash like a roadrunner? Glide like an owl? Buzz like a bee? Stretch out wide in a natural, open space?

Focusing on the sights, sounds, and smells of the variety of environments outside the cramped car soothes the narrator's growing frustration. As they channel the calming power of mindfulness and the magnificence of nature, a tedious trip becomes sweet, silly, and even sublime.

Lyrical language and illustrations both hilarious and heartfelt tell the story of a journey made (nearly) as enjoyable as the destination. Along the way, readers will realize that a small shift in perspective can ease their own journey through the challenges and uncertainties that every day presents.

Review Quotes

"Thoughtful...encourages readers to use mindfulness techniques to shift their perspectives and find joy in frustrating moments." -- School Library Journal

"McGrath's gracefully alliterative, child-friendly narration speaks to both the frustrations and joys of the family road trip; words and art meld for a spirited yet soothing tale of a youngster who acknowledges stress but still finds a way to appreciate nature." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Whether a reader can relate to the thrills (and occasional discomforts) of a family road trip, the need for little escapes from stressful situations, or the wonder of discovering natural beauty in fresh settings, Robyn McGrath and Polina Gortman's Wide Open Spaces offers a journey worth taking again and again." -- Chris Barton, author of We Match!

About the Author

Robyn McGrath is the author of both fiction and nonfiction picture books for children. Her titles include Dolly! The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream; A Mind of Her Own: The Story of Agatha Christie; Brave New Ballet: The Story of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, and There's Always Room for One More, a 2024 CBC Librarian Favorite.

Whether she's writing fiction or nonfiction, McGrath hopes her books inspire curiosity, spark joy, and encourage empathy and awareness. When she is not writing, she works as a play therapist helping children and parents regulate big emotions and find mindful moments. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, two children, a Labrador retriever, and a friendly cat they found camping. Visit her at robynmcgrathwrites.com.

Polina Gortman is a children's book illustrator based near Seattle, Washington. Gortman's artwork is an amalgam of digital watercolor, ink, and colored pencil. She enjoys drawing nature, kids, and animals. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games with her family and exploring the evergreen trails of the Pacific Northwest. Visit her at www.gortmanillustration.com.