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Oliver Finds His Way
A small bear looks for—and finds—courage and a way home.
While Mama hangs the wash out
and Papa rakes the leaves,
Oliver chases a big yellow leaf . . .
Oliver is so intent on following a blowing autumn leaf that he doesn’t even notice that he’s lost his way. All alone at the edge of the woods, he starts to cry. He cries and cries - but he is still lost. And so he rubs his nose and tries to think. . . .
With characteristic warmth, humor, and a firm faith in the power of pluck, Phyllis Root quietly captures a big, defining moment in the world of a small child.
While Mama hangs the wash out
and Papa rakes the leaves,
Oliver chases a big yellow leaf . . .
Oliver is so intent on following a blowing autumn leaf that he doesn’t even notice that he’s lost his way. All alone at the edge of the woods, he starts to cry. He cries and cries - but he is still lost. And so he rubs his nose and tries to think. . . .
With characteristic warmth, humor, and a firm faith in the power of pluck, Phyllis Root quietly captures a big, defining moment in the world of a small child.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2002
1 person is currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis Root
107 books71 followers"Picture books are performances," says Phyllis Root, quoting some sage advice she once received. "They're performances that involve a child--something both of you do. And once I started thinking of them that way, I started getting much looser about making up words and playing around with rhythm."
Phyllis Root picked up an early affinity for colloquial language while growing up in Indiana and southern Illinois, "where people actually say things like, 'I got a hitch in my git-along'!" She decided to be a writer in the fifth grade, but it wasn't until she was thirty years old that she took a writing course with an influential teacher who gave her "the tools" she says she needed. "That's when I figured out that you could learn to be a writer," she says. What followed was a series of rollicking stories that take on a new life when read aloud, among them ONE DUCK STUCK, a one-of-a-kind counting book; KISS THE COW!, an affectionate salute to stubbornness; WHAT BABY WANTS, a tale of increasingly ridiculous efforts to quiet an infant that one reviewer compared to an episode of I LOVE LUCY, and LOOKING FOR A MOOSE, a buoyant tale with a final surprise discovery.
The author does "endless rewriting" before a book is finished, but often starts out by writing her stories in her head, a trick she learned as a time-pressed mother when her two daughters were very young. For example, RATTLETRAP CAR--a joyful celebration of perseverance--began with her playing around with sounds ("clinkety clankety, bing bang pop!") and calling up bits of old camp songs.
A master of rhythmic read-alouds, Phyllis Root exhibits a range many writers would envy. Her counting book TEN SLEEPY SHEEP is as serene and lulling as ONE DUCK STUCK is rambunctious. "Counting sheep isn't always easy," she notes. "Once, while we were farm-sitting, my daughter and I had to chase down two runaway lambs in the growing darkness, then count twenty-seven frisky lambs to make sure they were all safe for the night. Luckily, they were." OLIVER FINDS HIS WAY is a quiet, classic picture book about a defining moment in the life of a small child--getting lost and having the pluck to find the way home. On the other extreme, Phyllis Root takes on no less than the whole universe in BIG MOMMA MAKES THE WORLD, a powerful, original, down-home creation myth that received rave reviews and won the prestigious BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Award. Most recently, Phyllis Root penned LUCIA AND THE LIGHT, a timeless adventure about one brave girl's quest that was inspired by Nordic lore.
When she's not writing, Phyllis Root teaches at Vermont College's MFA in Writing for Children program. She lives with her two daughters and two cats in a 100-year-old house in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and loves to read (mostly mysteries with female protagonists) or spend time outdoors gardening, camping, sailing, or traveling. "One of the things I've learned about myself," she confides, "is that when I get really stuck and can't seem to get writing, it's because I've forgotten to take time out to play."
Phyllis Root picked up an early affinity for colloquial language while growing up in Indiana and southern Illinois, "where people actually say things like, 'I got a hitch in my git-along'!" She decided to be a writer in the fifth grade, but it wasn't until she was thirty years old that she took a writing course with an influential teacher who gave her "the tools" she says she needed. "That's when I figured out that you could learn to be a writer," she says. What followed was a series of rollicking stories that take on a new life when read aloud, among them ONE DUCK STUCK, a one-of-a-kind counting book; KISS THE COW!, an affectionate salute to stubbornness; WHAT BABY WANTS, a tale of increasingly ridiculous efforts to quiet an infant that one reviewer compared to an episode of I LOVE LUCY, and LOOKING FOR A MOOSE, a buoyant tale with a final surprise discovery.
The author does "endless rewriting" before a book is finished, but often starts out by writing her stories in her head, a trick she learned as a time-pressed mother when her two daughters were very young. For example, RATTLETRAP CAR--a joyful celebration of perseverance--began with her playing around with sounds ("clinkety clankety, bing bang pop!") and calling up bits of old camp songs.
A master of rhythmic read-alouds, Phyllis Root exhibits a range many writers would envy. Her counting book TEN SLEEPY SHEEP is as serene and lulling as ONE DUCK STUCK is rambunctious. "Counting sheep isn't always easy," she notes. "Once, while we were farm-sitting, my daughter and I had to chase down two runaway lambs in the growing darkness, then count twenty-seven frisky lambs to make sure they were all safe for the night. Luckily, they were." OLIVER FINDS HIS WAY is a quiet, classic picture book about a defining moment in the life of a small child--getting lost and having the pluck to find the way home. On the other extreme, Phyllis Root takes on no less than the whole universe in BIG MOMMA MAKES THE WORLD, a powerful, original, down-home creation myth that received rave reviews and won the prestigious BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Award. Most recently, Phyllis Root penned LUCIA AND THE LIGHT, a timeless adventure about one brave girl's quest that was inspired by Nordic lore.
When she's not writing, Phyllis Root teaches at Vermont College's MFA in Writing for Children program. She lives with her two daughters and two cats in a 100-year-old house in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and loves to read (mostly mysteries with female protagonists) or spend time outdoors gardening, camping, sailing, or traveling. "One of the things I've learned about myself," she confides, "is that when I get really stuck and can't seem to get writing, it's because I've forgotten to take time out to play."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 23, 2017
This is a simple story about a little bear who gets lost while chasing a leaf. My high rating is mostly for Christopher Denise's sumptuous illustrations.
He captures the fall landscape splendidly, plus there's just something so endearing about a small bear in overalls and a plaid coat.
He captures the fall landscape splendidly, plus there's just something so endearing about a small bear in overalls and a plaid coat.
October 18, 2024
3+ ✨
Eenvoudig verhaal, ik hou vooral van de mooie herfstkleuren in de prenten van het bos.
Eenvoudig verhaal, ik hou vooral van de mooie herfstkleuren in de prenten van het bos.
November 13, 2017
Very sweet story, with adorable illustrations, about a bear cub who becomes lost while following a yellow leaf. He solves his own dilemma!
February 16, 2018
Great for my bear storytime! It's relatable, as most kids have an experience of accidentally wandering off and getting scared. Also a great opportunity to get the kids to roar with Oliver.
February 9, 2020
Another book that has illustrations stronger than the story. Christopher Denise does a great job of making the woods just a little bit darker, just a tiny bit scary. I think even sensitive tots will like this.
The main theme, though, is to not panic when you're lost. If your talent is having a very loud roar, don't be too scared to use it! I sort of wish Oliver had done something clever, but he really is too little. And I think the audience for this is little, too.
I just wish the momma bear wasn't wearing a long skirt... we have enough of that trope.
The main theme, though, is to not panic when you're lost. If your talent is having a very loud roar, don't be too scared to use it! I sort of wish Oliver had done something clever, but he really is too little. And I think the audience for this is little, too.
I just wish the momma bear wasn't wearing a long skirt... we have enough of that trope.
April 24, 2018
Cute story. Lovely illustrations. Little Bear follows a yellow leaf and gets lost. He remembers which way he came but he can't find his landmarks. Crying doesn't help so he roars and roars and listens for Mama and Papa to roar back. Little Bear follows the roars back home, past all his familiar landmarks.
October 20, 2020
Lovely story set in autumn.
February 16, 2012
With his parents busy working on household chores, Oliver ventures out into the woods alone. Oliver travels down the hill, around a clumpy bush, and under a twisty tree and eventually becomes lost. How will Oliver find his way home?
The story is one in which young children can relate to and parents can use Oliver's story to teach them the importance of not wandering off. Additionally, the book uses a lot of repetition and can be used to teach prepositions. Denise's illustrations are warm and dark which add to the tone of feeling lost and alone in the big woods.
The story is one in which young children can relate to and parents can use Oliver's story to teach them the importance of not wandering off. Additionally, the book uses a lot of repetition and can be used to teach prepositions. Denise's illustrations are warm and dark which add to the tone of feeling lost and alone in the big woods.
November 8, 2008
This one was a storytime hit! The kids loved it (maybe because they got to use their best 'ROAR') and the parents thought it was great. Afterwards, I overheard some parents explaining to their children what to do if they ever get lost, so this lead to some 'teaching moments' as well!
April 30, 2016
Charming illustrations. Great for children just learning to read since there is a lot of repetition. I would have liked it to be a bit longer. The resolution felt incomplete. My 5 yr old audience enjoyed it, but I think much younger children would like it too.
February 20, 2010
Beautiful illustrations should be on a wall, not in this book.
April 5, 2019
Little Oliver is playing outside while Mama and Papa bear work at Fall tasks. Oliver is distracted by a blowing yellow leaf and gives chase into the forest. Deeper and deeper he runs until he realizes that he is lost. Alone and afraid little Oliver begins to cry, but then he realizes that he needs get it together. What can he do to find his way back home? He roars and roars again until he hears an answering roar in the distance. Following the roars of his parents, Oliver is able to find his way back to familiar ground and to his loving parents.
This is a wonderful story to open a conversation with children about what to do when you are lost. Oliver is distracted by a colorful leaf that is blowing in the breeze just like all children can be distracted by colorful and interesting things in public places. All children are lost at one time or another and they will relate to Oliver's sudden understanding of what it feels like to be alone and afraid when you don't know where your parents are. As you read this book, let them share those feelings and emotions. Then, with Oliver, remind them that when they feel that way they should take a moment to calm down before deciding what to do. Oliver roars. Other solutions might be designating a meeting place, asking an adult for help, or finding a security person. This adorably illustrated story can act as a key to help parents keep their children safe in scary situations.
For more reviews, please visit www.byucbmr.com
This is a wonderful story to open a conversation with children about what to do when you are lost. Oliver is distracted by a colorful leaf that is blowing in the breeze just like all children can be distracted by colorful and interesting things in public places. All children are lost at one time or another and they will relate to Oliver's sudden understanding of what it feels like to be alone and afraid when you don't know where your parents are. As you read this book, let them share those feelings and emotions. Then, with Oliver, remind them that when they feel that way they should take a moment to calm down before deciding what to do. Oliver roars. Other solutions might be designating a meeting place, asking an adult for help, or finding a security person. This adorably illustrated story can act as a key to help parents keep their children safe in scary situations.
For more reviews, please visit www.byucbmr.com
December 4, 2018
Oliver is a curious young bear. One day he is outside with his parents, chasing a leaf that happened to be blowing in the wind. he chases in through the forest, around the trees, and under the bushes. Soon he loses the leaf. He looks up and his family is gone as well. Scared and alone, Oliver tries to think of a way to get back home. He "RoARs" as loud as he can. Over and over again he roars at the top of his lungs until he hears his parents roar back. He follows the sounds and is reunited with his family.
At young ages, children face the types of problems that including getting lost. A perfect book to have beginner readers use. to relate to themselves and know that if they are in any related situation, to stay calm and know that everything will be ok.
At young ages, children face the types of problems that including getting lost. A perfect book to have beginner readers use. to relate to themselves and know that if they are in any related situation, to stay calm and know that everything will be ok.
November 18, 2020
Rating - 5/5
Copyright - 2002
Themes - family, being alone, finding your way home, curiosity
I thought this was such a cute book. It is a great way to teach children to never wander off from their guardians, because they can easily become lost. This book could be read as an introduction to a lesson about home addresses, street names, and so on. My favorite part of the book was the message behind it. So many kids just wander off, because they were never taught not to. It is extremely important to stay with your guardian.
Copyright - 2002
Themes - family, being alone, finding your way home, curiosity
I thought this was such a cute book. It is a great way to teach children to never wander off from their guardians, because they can easily become lost. This book could be read as an introduction to a lesson about home addresses, street names, and so on. My favorite part of the book was the message behind it. So many kids just wander off, because they were never taught not to. It is extremely important to stay with your guardian.
June 10, 2023
Aw, super cute! I loved the rustic saturation and woody feel to the illustrations. Beautiful. When Oliver is lost and crying dramatically, it made me giggle a bit how he cried, looked around, saw that no one was paying attention, and then decided crying dramatically was not helpful so stopped and thought instead (and came up with a great solution!). Way to go, kid! It's a very normal thing to do, and it makes me smile whenever I see it in real life.
December 9, 2020
Oliver Finds his Way is included in my library's Learning and Sharing Collection, which is a collection built for developing story times; so it's no surprise that this book is excellent. It's short and sweet, with a warm and welcoming setting, and relatable for even our youngest listeners. I enjoyed this book, but I typically can't refuse picture books featuring life-like bear cubs.
October 4, 2023
Fun book for either a bear or a Fall related story time . A cute little Bear named Oliver gets lost from his parents while chasing a yellow leaf near his home. PS-Don't worry, this book has a happy ending!
Also, the illustrations were phenomenal as are all of Christopher Denise's books! If you haven't already, check out his book Knight Owl which won a Caldecott Honor.
Also, the illustrations were phenomenal as are all of Christopher Denise's books! If you haven't already, check out his book Knight Owl which won a Caldecott Honor.
December 16, 2017
Oliver bear wanders away from his house chasing a leaf. Soon he is lost in the forest. Crying doesn't fix things, so he thinks. He decides to roar. When his parents roar back, he follows the sound to them.
June 2, 2017
Very sweet, and good for showing children to control their emotions and be resourceful.
August 29, 2017
Super-cute bear, beautiful illustrations, lovely simple text with a good story for the very young. Who can't relate to this little dude? A lovely picture book.
November 28, 2018
Good story and pictures.
January 6, 2019
Boring for 5yo, probably great for younger kids.
January 15, 2019
Oliver wanders a bit too far. How will he get home?
May 28, 2019
Would make a great fall storytime book
October 9, 2019
A little bear is so involved chasing a leaf that he loses his way. After crying, he has a good think and comes up with a way to find his way back.
Nice simple story with pretty autumn pictures.
Nice simple story with pretty autumn pictures.
October 25, 2020
Lovely illustrations
February 8, 2021
A sweet, simple story about getting lost.
February 11, 2021
This would be great to use when learning prepositions!
September 28, 2021
Spectacular illustrations!
August 3, 2022
Nice illustrations
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews