Review - The Not-So Great Outdoors

The Not-So Great Outdoors
by Madeline Kloepper
Date: 2019
Publisher: Tundra Books (NY)
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

A reluctant camper discovers that the (not-so) great outdoors can be just as exciting as screens and skyscrapers in this playful picture book celebration of the pleasures of unplugging and embracing nature.

What's so great about the "great outdoors"? A grumpy urban kid begrudgingly accompanies her family on a summer camping trip, missing all the sublime sights right under her nose as she longs for the lights and stimulation of the city. But as she explores forests, lakes and mountains, and encounters bears, beavers and caribou, she slowly comes to realize that the simpler things are just as sparkly, that the sky is its own majestic light show, and the symphony is all around. The Not-So Great Outdoors is a humorous and richly imagined reminder of the beauty and magic that can be found away from the city and our screens.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a relatable story about a young girl who gets dragged off on a family trip for some camping and sightseeing in nature. At first, she doesn't want to go, and she keeps comparing the great outdoors with her urban home. Eventually, though, the sight of some bears at the side of the road intrigues her, and she comes to realize that the wonders offered by nature can be just as interesting as the ones created by humans.

I don't know that I loved the illustrations, but there's plenty to look at in them, and they help tell the story well. (I think it's the rough-looking style that's giving me pause.) The details are fun, though.

Overall, this is a decent picture book about the value of setting aside technology and city life for a simpler experience of being in nature... at least for a little while. I think many kids will be able to relate to having to go on a trip that they aren't that excited about, only to find out that it's kind of fun, after all.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books (NY) for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.33 out of 5