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

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.

Grandad's Prayers of the EarthAges 6 yrs .- Up
By Douglas Wood, Illustrated by P. J. Lynch
Candlewick Press, ISBN: 0-7636-0660-X, $16.99

In this poignant story, a grandfather takes his grandson for a walk in the woods to explain the idea of prayer. Following the grandfather's death, the boy returns to the place of their walk to find peace and pray. The grandfather's lyrical and effective descriptions of prayer in its broadest sense and the rich, evocative watercolor illustrations will touch and teach children and adults of all religions.

No More! Stories and Songs of Slave Resistance
Ages 9 - 12 yrs.
By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Shane E. Evans
Candlewick Press, ISBN: 0-7636-0984-6, $17.99

One of the greatest walks of our time was the journey that thousands of slaves took on the Underground Railroad. That journey is narrated and detailed as part of this handsomely illustrated collection of slave narratives, black spirituals and folktales. The full-page oil paintings and well-chosen excerpts, offer an engaging experience for young readers.

The Long MarchAll Ages
Written By Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick
Published by Beyond Words Publishing, ISBN: 1-885223-71-4, $14.95

Two historic events are introduced in this tale of Choona, a fourteen-year old Choctaw Indian. Set in 1847, the story describes the experience that Choona's elders had on "The Long March" from their homelands in Mississippi to Oklahoma, and their desire to help Irish families suffering from a similar fate in the Irish famine. Told through the eyes of Choona, the story is both accessible and fascinating for readers of all ages.

Going Nowhere
Discover the unexpected wonders in going for a walk.

National Trails Guides
Explore national trails near and far with the help of the these trail guides.