The Day We Got Lost

by Faith Pray

Overview

A family's woodland hike takes them through many twists and turns—but it's so much better to get lost (and found!) when they're together.

On a day that's perfect for being outside in nature,Smudge and his family head for a hike in the mountains. But Willa’s fussing, Mom’s stressing, Grandpa’s telling the same old stories all over again, and Smudge will absolutely NOT be good, thank you very much.

When nature’s beauty doesn’t bring them together right away, could wandering from the path be just what they need?

Faith Pray’s gentle and stunning watercolors stir up a forest full of emotions in this subtle exploration of feeling distant from the ones you love and finding your way back to each other again.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316541176
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	08/20/2024
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	290,456
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 11.40(h) x 0.32(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Faith Pray (yes, that’s really her name!) comes from a family of talented children’s book creators, but her extraordinary talents for capturing light and shadow and conveying emotion and story through line work are all her own. She also illustrated One Day by Joanna Ho and is the author-illustrator of Perfectly Imperfect Mira and The Starkeeper. Faith lives with her husband and children plus a helpful cat and a mischievous chocolate lab puppy in the Pacific Northwest.

Editorial Reviews

"This high-spirited story is notable for its portrayal of loving and very realistic family dynamics.... A tale readers will easily get lost in."—Kirkus Reviews

"Pray depicts the group’s less-united moments with empathy instead of judgment.... An ultimately cozy portrayal of a day that begins as memorable for the wrong reasons, only to end with Smudge’s loved ones learning to find their way—together."—Horn Book

"A sweet book celebrating family, togetherness, belonging, and love."—School Library Journal

Praise for Perfectly Imperfect Mira:

"The multiracial cast of children is full of energy and their physically expressive activities are captivating. A sweet celebration of the growth mindset." —Kirkus Reviews

"Give this book to perfectionists or to those who feel too anxious to try new things." —Horn Book

"Text and image work in fluid harmony in this sensitive picture book about overcoming perfectionism." —Publishers Weekly

"This engaging story provides an inspiring insight into children’s feelings and the growth of confidence. Pair with similar stories by Peter H. Reynolds including The Dot, Ish, and Sky Color." —School Library Journal

From the Publisher

07/01/2024

PreS-Gr 2—Smudge's family packs up the car and drives to the mountains for a picnic and a day in the great outdoors. His grandpa tells them that moss grows on the north side of trees and cautions him to stay on the trail because the paths are marked with trail markers and stones, but Smudge is a busy, playful child and moves the rocks as he frolics through the woods. He does not need markers, he claims. He is an explorer. Smudge ventures far away. It is not until he hears animals snorting and snuffling in the undergrowth that Smudge becomes afraid and realizes he is lost and alone. As fear sets in, Smudge tries to retrace his steps, but he is lucky his family is looking for him, too. When they reach each other, Mama, Grandpa, and Smudge work together to find the right path out of their predicament. Following the moss on the trees just as Grandpa taught them, they make their way back to the clearing and to where they left their car. Being lost isn't such a bad thing after all, if they are lost together. Pray uses subtle watercolors and colored pencils to capture the beauty of the surroundings and the facial expressions of each character. Smudge is shown as a brave adventurer and a bit of a troublemaker. Baby Willa appears sweet and angelic, and Oni the dog is playful and joyous. VERDICT An additional purchase, this is nevertheless a sweet book celebrating family, togetherness, belonging, and love.—Pamela Thompson McLeod

School Library Journal

2024-05-04
A family trip gets off to an inauspicious start.

Mom, Grandpa, two unruly kids, and the family dog drive to the woods for a picnic and a hike. When they arrive, elder child Smudge, who narrates, runs off to climb a tree, ignoring Mom’s admonition to wait. The smart-alecky Smudge repeatedly responds to Mom’s requests with a defiant “I will NOT!” Good-humored Grandpa shares his outdoors knowledge—“Moss sometimes grows north”—wisdom that goes unheeded but will prove useful later. Smudge tunes out and runs off again as ever-harried Mom, struggling to control the dog, warns the child not to wander off. Does Smudge get lost? Yep—then the little one finally pays attention. Fortunately, the family soon finds Smudge. But now they’re all lost! Smudge is contrite: “Are we all lost because of me?” Grandpa reassures Smudge that it’s OK; everyone’s together. Happily, Grandpa’s earlier guideposts and the landmarks they passed help them correct their course. In the end, they’re able to appreciate a spectacular vista—together. This high-spirited story is notable for its portrayal of loving and very realistic family dynamics. The lively, impressionistic illustrations, created with watercolor ink and colored pencil, capture the family’s relationships and scenic outdoors. The family presents East Asian.

A tale readers will easily get lost in. (Picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews