Hiking Day

July 1, 2018

PreS-Gr 1-Climbing to the top of any mountain is an exhilarating experience. In addition to the magnificent view, there's a wonderful sense of accomplishment and deep connection with nature. In this picture book, Anne Rockwell collaborates with her daughter, Lizzy Rockwell, to share the story of a young child's experience of hiking a mountain near her home, called Hickory Hill, with her parents. Rockwell begins by showing the supplies needed for the hike, but the story enters a gentle rhythm once the characters enter the woods: "The minute we step onto the trail, we are surrounded by tall trees. We can't see the sky. All we can see is ground covered with leaves and ferns." The family is immersed in nature, and they see a variety of animals as they walk toward the summit, including a toad, a porcupine, a chipmunk, a woodpecker, and a deer. The girl is particularly delighted to discover that the "friendly fat toad" has reached the summit along with her family. The illustrations are detailed and precise, and they show nature in its most vibrant colors. As the author of nearly 200 books for children, Anne Rockwell knows how to create a narrative that is engaging, soothing, and informative-just right for inquisitive young readers. VERDICT This calm and gentle narrative will encourage young children to step outside into nature and climb a few hills.-Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, CA

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2018
Mother-daughter author-illustrator team Anne (who passed away in April 2018) and Lizzy Rockwell have crafted a quiet story that positively portrays a black family spending time in nature. While this shouldn't be a news flash in 2018, it is.A black family--mom, dad, and daughter--drives 20 minutes away from their suburb for a day hike up Hickory Hill, where they enjoy the flora, fauna, and autumnal changes. The higher they climb, the sparser the vegetation becomes until they reach the summit and take in the expansive views. This picture book offers a rare snapshot of a family of color spending quality family time in the woods. Since they think they are lost at one point, perhaps they have not hiked often, but this does not dampen their enthusiasm. Several animals make an appearance in the watercolor illustrations, done in a soft, mostly pastel palette, including a porcupine, birds, a deer, a chipmunk, and a toad. The young female narrator describes the woodpecker she sees as redheaded; this, too, suggests that she hasn't done much bird-watching since the bird is a pileated woodpecker, and a kid who had grown up birding would know it by both sound and sight. Still, readers will appreciate the daughter's delight as she chooses the trail to hike and really notices her surroundings. Black and brown nature lovers, here's one to read and share. (Picture book. 4-8)

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