About This Book:
In this gorgeously illustrated whimsical tale, a young boy who fears the outdoors becomes lost in the forest . . . and discovers not only his courage but a new friend, too.
The Vasylenko family are all adventurers who love wild places and wild things. All, that is, except young Oktober. He also dreams of adventure, but it’s the kind that takes place between the pages of a book, indoors, where it’s safe and warm. Unlike the rest of his family, he dreads venturing out where it’s cold, wet, and home to a creature he calls the Wilderness. His father assures him the wilderness isn’t a monster, but out there, Oktober can only see slimy tails and sharp teeth and so many places for the terrible Wilderness to hide. One day on a hike, Oktober gets separated from his family, and because he doesn’t believe he’s brave enough to be an adventurer, he’s certain his fate is sealed. But maybe getting lost is just what Oktober needs to find courage and a new perspective . . . and an unexpected friend. With wry humor and marvelously rich and clever illustrations that readers will be happy to get lost in, Steve McCarthy’s debut as author-illustrator will speak to even the most timid and bookish of adventurers.
*Review Contributed By Connie Reid, Staff Reviewer*
Engaging Illustrations
Wilderness is a fun tale about a family who loves outdoor adventures and Oktober who would rather stay inside. The illustrations are detailed and fun to stop and peruse. The book contains many fantasy elements that make you want to turn the page to see what will happen next once Oktober joins his family outside. Maybe if I could meet the Wilderness like Oktober I would be less bookish, but for now, it was more fun to read than to go explore for myself. Overall, the illustrations are engaging, and the whimsical elements will keep a child’s interest making this a good reading choice.
