The Hike

Gr 2-4–Adventure is their middle name! Wren, El, and Hattie are three best friends who love to hike more than anything else. Their individual strengths complement one another as they make their way along the trail: Wren takes field notes, El teaches how to build leaf baskets to carry berries, and Hattie navigates using the map when they get lost. And their faithful canine companion, Bean, is there with them every step of the way. Beautifully illustrated, each page beckons readers in to explore, as a plethora of information can be found in every secret corner. The abundant detail means something new can be found in every reading. Unlike most picture books, the text is not the primary focus: the progression of the hike is told equally through the images, field notes, onomatopoeia, word bubbles, and short, deliberate sentences. Much like a true hike, movement and discovery in this story are punctuated by moments of reflection. The final pages are nearly wordless, allowing the reader to appreciate the achievement the girls have made. Readers will enjoy the addition of Wren’s field notes at the end of the book as they give more information about the flora and fauna observed on the hike.