Written by Haven Iverson
Illustrated by August Zhang
New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2026. Picture book.
You have probably heard people in your life talk about their "happy place." If you haven't heard of that, the best way I can think of to describe it, is anywhere that someone feels most at home, comfortable, and where no one has to change their personality to feel completely content. My daughter-in-law's happy place is in the wilderness! She loves to be outdoors: hiking, climbing, and taking in the beauty of nature. This book made me think of her, in all the best ways!
This sweet picture book follows the journey of a young child as they spend time in the great outdoors with their family. Like most young children, they start out needing a lot of help from the grown-ups in their world. As a reader, we see the child growing up and becoming more capable and independent. I found it to be a lovely reminder that so much joy is found in the journey of our lives.
While some stages seem to last forever, many of us know that a child needing help, and being heavily dependent on adults, won't last forever. The path that helps them gain their independence isn't one they walk alone. The lessons they learn along the way can benefit everyone. For me it was a delightful book that celebrated nature, children, independence, growth, and acceptance. I think families could have some great discussions about stages of life with this book.
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