PICTURE BOOK FICTION : Hike by Pete Oswald & Alba and the Ocean Cleanup by Lara Hawthorne
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the cool and quiet early light of morning, a father and child wake up. Today they're going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest. By the time they return home, they feel alive -- and closer than ever -- as they document their hike and take their place in family history. In detail-rich panels and textured panoramas, Pete Oswald perfectly paces this nearly wordless adventure, allowing readers to pause for subtle wonders and marvel at the views. A touching tribute to the bond between father and child, with resonant themes for Earth Day, Hike is a breath of fresh air.
REVIEW
This beautifully illustrated wordless picture book highlights the joy that can be found in spending time with family and nature. A father wakes his son one morning and they pack up and head out of the city for the day. As they make their way up the trail, they stop to enjoy the beauty around them including the wildlife and the snow. The father helps his son cross a log bridge and admire a waterfall, they stop to have a snack, and climb a boulder. Ultimately, at the end of the trail, they plant a tree seedling before making their way back down. Words aren't needed in this homage to the power of taking time to enjoy the natural world. On top of that is the importance of the father/son bond exhibited as the father and son spend the day together, helping each other as needed. A gorgeous book perfect for sharing on Earth Day or any other day, that inspires one with an appreciation for the earth and it's natural wonders.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Alba the fish has spent her entire life collecting precious objects that drift down to the ocean floor. From delicate shells to brightly colored coral, each year on her birthday she gathers one more precious item. But over the years, Alba notices her collection is losing its sparkle and that the world is changing. There is trash everywhere! When, on her birthday hunt, something unthinkable happens, it seems like the plastic may have changed her ocean home forever. Is it too late?
REVIEW
Alba is a fish who loves to collect treasures from the ocean world around her. As the story opens, the coral reef is healthy and there are numerous treasures to be collected. But as time goes on, that changes as trash builds up and creatures leave. Conditions continue to deteriorate until one day as she looks for a treasure, she gets trapped in a plastic bottle. She drifts on the ocean currents until she's discovered by a young girl named Kaia. Kaia recruits her neighbors from the nearby town to help her clean up the garbage on the beach and around the reef. Once the ocean environment has improved, Alba is released with her new found treasure to return to her home. While the story doesn't even try to be subtle here, the beautiful illustrations soften the message a tad by showing why cleaning up the ocean is so important. The bright colors and beautiful fish and other animals that live on the reef are depicted in a very striking way. Each page could be turned into a search and find there is so much to look at and study.
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