Walk on the Wild Side

by Nicholas Oldland, Nicholas Oldland (Illustrator)

Overview

This clever picture book tells readers right away what to expect. “There once was a bear, a moose and a beaver who loved adventure. But sometimes their competitive natures got in the way of having fun.” One day, the three set off to climb a mountain together. But on the way there, they decide to make it more exciting by turning the climb into a race to the top. It’s only after being sidelined by a series of mishaps — a boulder tumbling down the path, the moose hanging off the side of the cliff, the bear hanging off the moose hanging off the side of the cliff — that the three friends realize competitions don’t always make for a good time. “At the end of the day, the bear, the moose and the beaver agreed that reaching the top of the mountain was great, but enjoying the journey together was even better.”

This funny, contemporary fable is from Nicholas Oldland’s popular Life in the Wild series. The wonderful fun here is the comedy that highlights the adventure, in both the dry humor of the text as well as the simple, earth-toned illustrations that provide a humorous visual play-by-play of the action. This would make a terrifically entertaining storytime title, easily promoting the importance of teamwork, kindness and friendship. It could also be used in the early grades as part of a classroom discussion of woodland animals and their habitats. Another lesson here is the pleasure of getting outdoors for recreation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781525305641
Publisher:	Kids Can Press
Publication date:	09/07/2021
Series:	Life in the Wild Series , #5
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	784,982
Product dimensions:	7.95(w) x 7.95(h) x 0.13(d)
Lexile:	AD550L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Nicholas Oldland earned a degree in fine arts at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, Canada, and enjoyed success as a commercial artist and filmmaker before taking up the role of creative director at Hatley/Little Blue House, a popular apparel company. He lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his family.

Nicholas Oldland earned a degree in fine arts at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, Canada, and enjoyed success as a commercial artist and filmmaker before taking up the role of creative director at Hatley/Little Blue House, a popular apparel company. He lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his family.

Editorial Reviews

Another fine lesson couched in a tale that never becomes didactic.—Kirkus Reviews

Probably best for one-on-one sharing, this simple story is a charmer.—School Library Journal

Using simple text and clear, uncluttered illustrations, Oldland has created a warm story of friendship.—Booklist

This fast-paced book will appeal to younger children. It has great potential as a fun storytime read.—CM Magazine

A very well illustrated book...—Resource Links

From the Publisher

02/01/2015
PreS-Gr 2—Oldland's latest tale starring Bear, Moose, and Beaver is about adventure, competiton, and friendship. Each animal mimics the other as they attempt to climb to the top of the mountain. During the story, Beaver decides that it's time to up the ante and declares, "the race is on!" Unfortunately for Moose, as he rounds a bend on the side of the mountain, a boulder comes toward him. He attempts to lunge out of the way, only to fall off a cliff. Bear hears Moose's cries of distress and attempts to help, only to find himself in trouble as well. Shortly after, Beaver hears his friends in need and comes to the rescue, After returning to safety, they realize that competition is not always best. Subsequently, while exploring together they discover that they enjoy the journey even more. As with many of Oldland's picture books, friendship and teamwork play an important role. Young readers will laugh at the antics of a little red bird as he mirror the actions of the other animals. With simple text and muted, neutral colored folk art-like illustrations done on plain white paper makes this an easy read that flows nicely. VERDICT Probably best for one-on-one sharing, this simple story is a charmer.—Megan McGinnis, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY

School Library Journal

2014-12-06
More Life in the Wild from Canadian Oldland (Up the Creek, 2013, etc.).A bear, a moose and a beaver are friends, and they love adventure. One day, they decide to climb a nearby mountain. They trek across the countryside and, while having a snack at the base of the mountain, decide to make the trip up the slope a race. The moose's long legs give him an advantage; he pulls ahead of his friends. Then a boulder comes down the cliffside path. In escaping the boulder, the moose falls over the edge and is left hanging from a tree limb. The bear tries to rescue his buddy, but he falls too. The beaver's quick thinking saves everyone. The three friends take the rest of the trip at a slower pace; and that is when they actually begin to enjoy their journey. Oldland's digitally painted, woodcut-style illustrations are as deadpan-charming as ever, and storytime audiences won't find this as predictable as those who present it to them will. The friends' competitiveness plays out believably enough, and the characters' short exclamations in the illustrations will elicit a giggle or two (and participation in subsequent readings). Another fine lesson couched in a tale that never becomes didactic. (Picture book. 3-9)

Kirkus Reviews