The Wilderness
Hardcover – Picture Book, October 3, 2023
Candlewick Press · Hardcover · October 3, 2023
In this gorgeously illustrated whimsical tale, a young boy who fears the outdoors becomes lost in the forest . . . and discovers not only his courage but a new friend, too.
We earn from qualifying purchases.
- Who it’s for
- A warmly funny picture book about finding courage when the outdoors feels like a monster.
- Themes
- Finding courage, Unexpected friendship, A new perspective
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Big Feelings, Trees & Forests
Nearest books
Matched by what the books are about, then ordered by what their readers also loved.
The Search for CarmellaChloe Savage58% matchShares Action & Adventure
Gather RoundDavid Covell56% match
Little Good WolfSusan Stevens Crummel60% match
A Wolf Called FireRosanne Parry56% match
Just Like MillieLauren Castillo55% matchShares Big Feelings
For older readers: What the Woods Took, Wildlife of the World, Hollow
Start with three books, and this one can be the first.
Members get a new edition every morning: a route out from their books to essays, research and talks, with the reason for each.
Start with this bookAbout this book
In this gorgeously illustrated whimsical tale, a young boy who fears the outdoors becomes lost in the forest . . . and discovers not only his courage but a new friend, too. The Vasylenko family are all adventurers who love wild places and wild things. All, that is, except young Oktober. He also dreams of adventure, but it’s the kind that takes place between the pages of a book, indoors, where it’s safe and warm.
Continue reading
Unlike the rest of his family, he dreads venturing out where it’s cold, wet, and home to a creature he calls the Wilderness. His father assures him the wilderness isn’t a monster, but out there, Oktober can only see slimy tails and sharp teeth and so many places for the terrible Wilderness to hide. One day on a hike, Oktober gets separated from his family, and because he doesn’t believe he’s brave enough to be an adventurer, he’s certain his fate is sealed. But maybe getting lost is just what Oktober needs to find courage and a new perspective . . . and an unexpected friend. With wry humor and marvelously rich and clever illustrations that readers will be happy to get lost in, Steve McCarthy’s debut as author-illustrator will speak to even the most timid and bookish of adventurers.
Indoor Adventurer
A warmly funny picture book about finding courage when the outdoors feels like a monster.
Come here for
- A bookish boy’s uneasy turn toward adventure
- Clever, richly detailed illustrations and wry humor
Expect
- A gentle tale of fear, courage, and an unexpected friend
- A playful contrast between cozy reading and the wild outdoors
Where it sits
| Action & Adventure | 45% |
|---|---|
| Big Feelings | 37% |
| Trees & Forests | 33% |
Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.
Publisher categories
- Alternative Family Stories
- Funny Stories
- Big Feelings
- Authors
- Steve McCarthy
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press
- Published
- October 3, 2023
- Format
- Hardcover
- Theme
- Finding courage · Unexpected friendship · A new perspective
- Reading lane
- Alternative Family Stories