Take A Hike! (And Discover the Unexpected): Book Recommendations to Inspire a Walk Outdoors

In Edith Pearlman's piece, "Going Nowhere," she details the simple pleasure and unexpected wonders in going for a walk. From exploration and adventure to history and personal discovery, the following books offer pedestrian journeys that children of all ages will enjoy.

Hi, Harry!
Ages 3 - 6 yrs.
By Martin Waddell, Illustrated by Barbara Firth
Candlewick Press, ISBN: 0-7636-1802-0, $14.99

Harry Tortoise wants a friend. Finding it difficult to connect with some of the faster animals, he sets out on journey to find a companion. Waddell's gentle text introduces young readers to characters that are distinct, endearing and even funny.

Where Are You Going? To See My Friend!
Ages 3 - 7 yrs.
By Eric Carle and Kazuo Iwamura
Scholastic Inc./Orchard Books, ISBN: 0-439-41659, $16.95

In this unique bilingual picture book, a dog who sets off to meet his friend acquires several companions along the way. Author-illustrator Eric Carle and Japanese artist Kazuo Iwamura each illustrated half of the book.

Little Red Riding Hood
Ages 3 - 7 yrs.
By the Brothers Grimm, Illustrated by Jean-Francois Martin
Abbeville Press, Inc., ISBN: 0-7892-0421-5, $6.95

This is a near-irresistible rendition of the Grimm tale, in which a plucky Red Riding Hood marches resolutely through a birch forest to bring her ailing grandmother a decidedly Gallic pick-me-up: “a piece of pie and a bottle of wine.” But before long trouble abounds as she comes face to face with wolf.

Sheep Take a HikeAges 5 - 6 yrs.
By Nancy J. Shaw, Illustrated by Margot Apple
Houghton Mifflin Children's Books, ISBN: 0-395-81658-0, $4.95

An amusing tale of a group of sheep that decide to take a hike. Their adventure is well-detailed through colorful illustrations that young children are sure to enjoy.

First, Second
Ages 5 - 7 yrs.
By Daniil Kharms, Illustrated by Marc Rosenthal, Translated by Richard Pevear
Farrar, Straus & Giroux, ISBN: 0-374-32339-9, $8.95

This rollicking, cumulative counting book begins with two kids, Pete and his friend, marching down the street, "singing songs" together. To the mix Kharms adds a blue man "no bigger than a jug," a tall man with long stilt-like legs, a donkey and an elephant, sending them off together on a surrealistic road trip.

Henry Hikes to FitchburgAges 5 - 8 yrs.
Written and Illustrated by D. B. Johnson
Houghton Mifflin Children's Books, ISBN: 0-395-96867-4, $15.00

Based on the classic tortoise and hare tale, this cheery picture book follows Henry the bear on his leisurely stroll to Fitchburg. While his friend is trying to earn money to buy a train ticket, Henry enjoys nature's beauty and a scrumptious blackberry patch on his way. Pencil and paint illustrations bring this journey with a surprise ending to life.

Zat Cat!
Ages 5 - 9 yrs.
By Chesley McLaren
Scholastic Inc./Scholastic Press, ISBN: 0439273161, $16.95

This jaunty story about a Parisian cat will appeal to the same sophisticated children who love to hear about Eloise and her adventures at The Plaza Hotel in New York. A breezy and slight rhymed text accompanies this wisp of a story. But best of all is the author's gift for transliterating key French phrases.