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Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy
Forest animals, awakened by the birds' warning that there is a stranger in the woods, set out to discover if there is danger and find, instead, a wonderful surprise.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
June 8, 2022
Honestly, if Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick had made their Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy totally wordless, yes, my star rating would definitely be considerably higher. For the photographs of wildlife, of snow and of the diverse forest animals at first being intensely cautious regarding the snowman but soon realising and understanding that there is no threat but treats emanating, coming from the snowman, that this stranger in the woods in fact brings benefits and winter nourishment (carrots, nuts, seeds etc.), they all are indeed visually delightful and also in my humble opinion tell the story of Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy much much better than the accompanying text in any way can.
And truth be told, the featured narrative for Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy, for and to me, it feels pretty much silly and distractingly tedious, not to mention that it also rather renders the wildlife depicted in the photographs frustratingly anthropomorphic, which most definitely quite massively destroys the oh so wonderful winter realism of the photographs (unless of course, I totally ignore and not pay any attention at all to the written words in Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy, unless I only focus my eyes on Carl R. Sams’ and Jean Stoick’s photographs, which bien sûr is possible, but still a bit of a royal pain for me, so that with the presented printed words not really doing anything for me at all, I can and will the absolute beauty and visual winter wonderland of the photographs notwithstanding only be rating Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy with a three star average and to not really recommend this book except for the spectacular and visually awesome winter based nature and snow photography).
And truth be told, the featured narrative for Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy, for and to me, it feels pretty much silly and distractingly tedious, not to mention that it also rather renders the wildlife depicted in the photographs frustratingly anthropomorphic, which most definitely quite massively destroys the oh so wonderful winter realism of the photographs (unless of course, I totally ignore and not pay any attention at all to the written words in Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy, unless I only focus my eyes on Carl R. Sams’ and Jean Stoick’s photographs, which bien sûr is possible, but still a bit of a royal pain for me, so that with the presented printed words not really doing anything for me at all, I can and will the absolute beauty and visual winter wonderland of the photographs notwithstanding only be rating Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy with a three star average and to not really recommend this book except for the spectacular and visually awesome winter based nature and snow photography).
February 17, 2011
The text isn't the strongest, but readers young and old will delight in the stunning nature photography throughout Stranger in the Woods. The "stranger" is a snowman that two children have decorated with treats for the hungry woodland animals.
This book would be a nice resource for classroom identification and discussion of our wild neighbors, many of whom will be familiar to students in both rural and suburban areas.
I was also pleased to see whitetail deer featured prominently and positively throughout. In various parts of the country, these graceful animals are considered little more than targets, trophies, or pests; so it's always nice to see a more compassionate portrayal.
This book would be a nice resource for classroom identification and discussion of our wild neighbors, many of whom will be familiar to students in both rural and suburban areas.
I was also pleased to see whitetail deer featured prominently and positively throughout. In various parts of the country, these graceful animals are considered little more than targets, trophies, or pests; so it's always nice to see a more compassionate portrayal.
August 4, 2021
The forest animals come across a stranger in the woods and as they warn each other about it, they discuss how it came to be there. They then need, someone to go close to it and check it out. Of course, there are some animals that are too scared and some that are willing to go. The responses the animals give for wanting to go are cute and sound typical for who they are. As one animal moves closer, the another’s move in, then another.......it's amazing but this stranger in the woods has something for everyone to enjoy. Once everyone has gotten something from the stranger, they leave the stranger in the woods and they continue on their way. But wait, the book is not over yet. The illustrations are gorgeous and realistic looking. It's a beautiful book! The last couple pages will put a smile on your face.
December 19, 2022
Stranger in the Woods is a sweet , wintery t picture story. With fanciful, misty edged photos of deer,owls,mice,muskrat in the woods a delightful story is initiated. This book is suitable reading leading into the Christmas season.
February 25, 2018
Stanger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (ages 4-8) was created by Carl R. Sams II and his wife Jean Stoick. Sams and Stoick created an enchanting story filled with captivating photographs of winter wildlife. Who is the Stranger in the Woods, and what is so special about him? This book has been on the New York Times Bestseller list, the International Reading Association Award, Ben Franklin Award along with approximately 80 awards in total.
December 24, 2023
Following a snow storm, the cry goes out among the animals - "Stranger in the woods!"
After much debate, a young buck volunteers to investigate, but it's the bold Chickadee who makes first contact. The stranger doesn't say much, but he does share what he can with the animals. And what a cute ending!
After much debate, a young buck volunteers to investigate, but it's the bold Chickadee who makes first contact. The stranger doesn't say much, but he does share what he can with the animals. And what a cute ending!
November 16, 2009
While my husband and I didn't care much for this book, our son loved it and requested it constantly. As a result, he now identifies chickadees and cardinals in our yard - in the end it was worth the clumsy writing style.
August 28, 2017
What really drew me in was the intense real life illustrations that relate so well to the content of the story.
February 4, 2018
My daughter loved reading a different book called "One Snowy Day" about cartoon animals that build a snowman so when I saw this book, I thought it would be a perfect one to read and compare. We loved the photographs and the "recipe" for building a snow man at the back.
It was a good book to read aloud with some opportunities to ask my children about their predictions ("Who do you think the stranger in the woods is?") or to make inferences ("Why do you think they children are hiding behind the trees?").
We are hoping that it snows one more time so that we can make a snowman and put some birdseed on him like the children in the book.
It was a good book to read aloud with some opportunities to ask my children about their predictions ("Who do you think the stranger in the woods is?") or to make inferences ("Why do you think they children are hiding behind the trees?").
We are hoping that it snows one more time so that we can make a snowman and put some birdseed on him like the children in the book.
January 19, 2020
A lovely book of photos instead of hand-made illustrations. It is winter, a time of hunger ad cold. The animals, particularly the deer, are curious about something new in the forest. It isn't a person, but three clumps of snow piled on top of each other. This snow thing wears a hat, and on the top are many seeds for the forest animals.
As the birds in the trees alert all in the wood that something isn't right, the deer seek and find this new thing that provides a carrot and seeds.
As the birds in the trees alert all in the wood that something isn't right, the deer seek and find this new thing that provides a carrot and seeds.
February 21, 2018
A much-loved favorite we keep re-reading every winter. :-)
February 22, 2015
Beautiful photography of animals along with a rhythmic story that will delight young children. A must for the bookshelf of young ones to read on a cold winter's night.
January 7, 2016
This is a beautiful book and a nice story. We like to read it each year after we put up our Christmas tree.
March 23, 2024
A sweet tale about giving to our woodland friends. But the photography is what really carries this story.
March 11, 2023
A friend gave us this wonderful book that we read many times with our children. We then acquired the movie which is also great!
December 5, 2024
Kids put treats on their snowman for the animals in the forest. Beautiful photography illustrate the story.
November 24, 2020
Beautiful nature photography. Sweet personification of animals discovering the ‘stranger’ in the forest. Loved the ending.
March 7, 2015
This children’s book is beautifully crafted. Each illustration is a high-quality photo of scenes from the woods in the winter season. The pages are glossy and give the photos a richer look. Each photo captures a different animal with supporting text. The text of this book does not just tell the reader about the animals like one might think it would by just looking at the type of storybook this is, but instead, the text is dialogue of the animals as they go about their day trying to figure out who the stranger in their woods is.
I feel as though the author did an excellent job of capturing photographs that went along with the storyline and text. While flipping through the pages and reading, I immediately noticed the facial expressions of each character. The facial expressions of each animal match what is happening in the story at that very moment. For example, at one point in the book, the animals are alarmed by the news of the stranger that has settled in their woods. As the deer hears of this and seeks to find the stranger, his facial expression looks to be worried or concerned. This aspect of the book impressed me, because taking photographs at the opportune time to capture an animal’s body language seems to be more difficult than if the author were to have an illustrator illustrate the text.
Finally, on a few pages of the book, the author adds text that curves around the page. On the first couple pages, when the animals find out about the stranger, the author uses the text playfully to announce the message being spread: “Stranger in the woods!” This line can be seen dancing across the page in a curved fashion in the beginning of the novel. The author also uses rhyming words as the animals discuss the new inhabitant of the woods. The rhyming words make the story an entertaining read for an audience of younger children. Overall, I enjoyed the rich pictures throughout and the fun text that matched the pictures take by the author so well. I believe the book was crafted in such a beautiful way, that it is easy to see why it won the Benjamin Franklin Award.
I feel as though the author did an excellent job of capturing photographs that went along with the storyline and text. While flipping through the pages and reading, I immediately noticed the facial expressions of each character. The facial expressions of each animal match what is happening in the story at that very moment. For example, at one point in the book, the animals are alarmed by the news of the stranger that has settled in their woods. As the deer hears of this and seeks to find the stranger, his facial expression looks to be worried or concerned. This aspect of the book impressed me, because taking photographs at the opportune time to capture an animal’s body language seems to be more difficult than if the author were to have an illustrator illustrate the text.
Finally, on a few pages of the book, the author adds text that curves around the page. On the first couple pages, when the animals find out about the stranger, the author uses the text playfully to announce the message being spread: “Stranger in the woods!” This line can be seen dancing across the page in a curved fashion in the beginning of the novel. The author also uses rhyming words as the animals discuss the new inhabitant of the woods. The rhyming words make the story an entertaining read for an audience of younger children. Overall, I enjoyed the rich pictures throughout and the fun text that matched the pictures take by the author so well. I believe the book was crafted in such a beautiful way, that it is easy to see why it won the Benjamin Franklin Award.
March 12, 2009
Author: Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoic
Illustrator: Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoic
Genre: fiction, photographic fantasy
Publication Info: Carl R. Sams II Photography, Inc. (2000)
Reading Level: Ages 9-12; fluent
Topic/Theme: winter, wild life, woodlands
Issues Addressed: feeding animals in the wild, winter in the woods
Classroom Uses: independent reading, read aloud; I would use this book to discuss the outdoors during the winter or spark discussion on how children interact with wild life
Summary: Animals in the woods sense that a stranger has arrived. They cautiously discover a snowman that has been built by children overnight. They also discover that the snowman can be eaten. There are seeds left in the hat, a carrot nose, and acorns for eyes and mouth. The animals enjoy the stranger and the children refill the treats often.
Text and image: The text in this book is positioned differently on some pages, which may make it hard for children to read. The photographs used as illustrations in this book really enhance the story and draw readers in to look at this mysterious stranger through the eyes of the woodland animals.
Literary Devices: personification (animals are speaking)
Illustrator: Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoic
Genre: fiction, photographic fantasy
Publication Info: Carl R. Sams II Photography, Inc. (2000)
Reading Level: Ages 9-12; fluent
Topic/Theme: winter, wild life, woodlands
Issues Addressed: feeding animals in the wild, winter in the woods
Classroom Uses: independent reading, read aloud; I would use this book to discuss the outdoors during the winter or spark discussion on how children interact with wild life
Summary: Animals in the woods sense that a stranger has arrived. They cautiously discover a snowman that has been built by children overnight. They also discover that the snowman can be eaten. There are seeds left in the hat, a carrot nose, and acorns for eyes and mouth. The animals enjoy the stranger and the children refill the treats often.
Text and image: The text in this book is positioned differently on some pages, which may make it hard for children to read. The photographs used as illustrations in this book really enhance the story and draw readers in to look at this mysterious stranger through the eyes of the woodland animals.
Literary Devices: personification (animals are speaking)
January 13, 2016
This is a great book to teach kids how to tell a story through still-life photographs, rather than illustrations in books (which they are accustomed to). It has a heartwarming story to go along with the photo and kids enjoy hearing the different sounds animals make as the story is read. Young children will gain valuable prediction skills as they try to figure out who the "stranger" is in the woods, along with the animals. Teachers and parents, alike, can tie in the theme of this book with caring for wintery wildlife by making practical crafts and activities like bird feeders or leaving yarn, nuts, etc. for animals to gather in the winter. It's also a great introduction to discussing which kinds of non-hibernating animals remain in the area during the cold winter months and how they must prepare for the long period when not much grows to provide food or shelter for them. I read this book every year to my 3, 4, and 5-yr old preschoolers and they absolutely love it! It never fails that they all want to build a "stranger" of their own and tell me which animals they have seen in their own backyards.
April 26, 2014
This book is one of my favorites and is a must read during the winter season. The authors are photographers who have incorporated the most beautiful photos in a beautiful story. The story begins after a fresh snow, and various animals in the woods spy a “stranger in the woods.” What they believe is a stranger is actually a snowman the children have made, with nuts, seeds, and a carrot nose to feed the animals. While the animals “talk” to each other trying to figure out who the stranger is, and become brave enough to seek it out, the children are hiding in the brush watching and waiting for the animals to come eat what they have put on the snowman for them. After the animals eat the food from the snowman, the children continue to replace the snowman treats for their winter friends until the snow is gone. This is a great story to teach children about animals in the winter with real photographs, and how they can be a part of caring for them in a fun way. This book is very deserving of the Benjamin Franklin Award it received.
January 16, 2015
This is a little on the "wordy" side for sharing in a library story time, but I feel free to "edit" as I go. The photographs engage the children. I invited them to say aloud "stranger in the woods!" each time I turned the page.
I like the phrases attached to the animals. For instance, BLUE JAY says "Take care! Take care!" The OWL says "Who-hoo's in the woods? Where? Where did the blue jay say?" The MOURNING DOVE says "Coo-coo-could that be him?" The CHICKADEE says, "Howdy-dee-dee". The CARDINAL says, "But I am RED!"
In addition to birds you will encounter a MUSKRAT, a SQUIRREL, a PORCUPINE, a RABBIT, a MOUSE, and of course DEER (a buck, doe, and fawn variety).
Eventually all the creatures find the stranger -- a SNOWMAN -- and lunch upon the seeds in its hat, the corn and seeds at its base, and its CARROT nose (hoping to not have to "share it").
Our story times this week are featuring FROZEN's "OLAF" friend SVEN the reindeer, so this book was perfect. The children enjoyed it.
I like the phrases attached to the animals. For instance, BLUE JAY says "Take care! Take care!" The OWL says "Who-hoo's in the woods? Where? Where did the blue jay say?" The MOURNING DOVE says "Coo-coo-could that be him?" The CHICKADEE says, "Howdy-dee-dee". The CARDINAL says, "But I am RED!"
In addition to birds you will encounter a MUSKRAT, a SQUIRREL, a PORCUPINE, a RABBIT, a MOUSE, and of course DEER (a buck, doe, and fawn variety).
Eventually all the creatures find the stranger -- a SNOWMAN -- and lunch upon the seeds in its hat, the corn and seeds at its base, and its CARROT nose (hoping to not have to "share it").
Our story times this week are featuring FROZEN's "OLAF" friend SVEN the reindeer, so this book was perfect. The children enjoyed it.
July 23, 2009
Sams II, C.R. and Stoick, J. (2000). Stranger in the woods. Milford, MI: Carl R. Sams II Photography.
Summary:
Animals and birds in the wintry woods notice a stranger (snowman) suddenly appears among the snow and trees. Photos of the creatures approaching the snowman are engaging and full-page.
Reviews/Awards:
American Booksellers Book Sense Book of the Year (ABBY) Award, 2001 Finalist
Benjamin Franklin Award, 2000 Winner
Borders Original Voices Award, 2003 Finalist
International Reading Association, 2001
Curriculum Connection:
* Great for introducing quotation marks and speech to students as there is a lot of dialogue among the animals and birds.
Grades: 1-3
Summary:
Animals and birds in the wintry woods notice a stranger (snowman) suddenly appears among the snow and trees. Photos of the creatures approaching the snowman are engaging and full-page.
Reviews/Awards:
American Booksellers Book Sense Book of the Year (ABBY) Award, 2001 Finalist
Benjamin Franklin Award, 2000 Winner
Borders Original Voices Award, 2003 Finalist
International Reading Association, 2001
Curriculum Connection:
* Great for introducing quotation marks and speech to students as there is a lot of dialogue among the animals and birds.
Grades: 1-3
November 23, 2013
We recently read Babies of the Wild by Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick after a visit to Shenandoah National Park. So we were excited to see that our local library had more books by these authors/photographers.
This is an entertaining story that blends actual photographs that are photoshopped with a fun story. The narrative is short and fun to read aloud and the photographs are terrific. We enjoyed reading this book together.
This is an entertaining story that blends actual photographs that are photoshopped with a fun story. The narrative is short and fun to read aloud and the photographs are terrific. We enjoyed reading this book together.
April 23, 2015
Stranger in the woods is kind of an interesting book. It has real pictures as the art to match the story line, and it does match, but it's also involves talking animals. It's all about animals who find out that there is a stranger in the woods and them finding out who it is. They are all a little afraid of exploring to see who it is, but eventually way few animals decide to take a look. They find a snowman, with a nose made of carrots and bird seed on his hat. They eat all the food off him, and then go to look for more. The end shows the reader who is actually leaving the food, and gives kids a recipe to make their own edible snowman. It’s a fun way for kids to get to know what animals really look like, but to have fun with it.
January 27, 2016
I love the concept of the book, but the delivery is just okay. It's great to see a picture book illustrated with photographs (especially of wild animals that kids can enjoy identifying), but the text needed better editing to feel more professional. There are some dubious punctuation and spacing/line break choices that are jarring for a first-time read aloud, and the middle part of the book drags on. I don't fault the photographers-authors for this, as these are really just polishing details that a good editor should have helped them with.
It's a beautiful book, and it's clear that the photographer-authors are excited to share these magical outdoor moments with kids. I'd recommend this as a fun, winter-themed library read.
It's a beautiful book, and it's clear that the photographer-authors are excited to share these magical outdoor moments with kids. I'd recommend this as a fun, winter-themed library read.
March 2, 2017
This book tells about animals in the woods after a fresh snow. As soon as the sun peaks up everyone is noticing a stranger that is in the woods. After a big debate on who will go check it out, they finally go to see the snowman. On the snowman is food for all of the animals (seed, corn, carrots). After all of the food is gone two children come out from behind the bushes to put more food out for them.
Such a sweet story and book! The book is actually made of real pictures taken in the woods, and they are excellent! It really ties the story in with the pictures. This may be one of my favorite books now.
This would be good in a young class for a read aloud. The good message would be great to share around winter.
Such a sweet story and book! The book is actually made of real pictures taken in the woods, and they are excellent! It really ties the story in with the pictures. This may be one of my favorite books now.
This would be good in a young class for a read aloud. The good message would be great to share around winter.
December 9, 2021
Beautiful photography, ok writing. I am still giving it 5 stars. I have been looking for books about giving in the wintertime, and I really liked that this one, the children were giving to the animals without wanting anything in return, and without it even being known. A lot of the books following this theme of giving seem to involve a main character giving away everything at their own cost. I don't think that's a bad message (I fully believe it's important to give what you don't need to someone who does) but I liked that this one didn't have that type of message. Not everyone needs to feel like they need to give up their own things just because someone asks.
I don't know if I'm making sense with this review. Anyway, good book.
I don't know if I'm making sense with this review. Anyway, good book.
June 22, 2010
Stranger in the Woods was a book about a blue-jay who animals to a snowman which is in the forest. The snowman has treats on it to eat which were left by two young children. After the animals ate the items the children put more out. After looking the book over a second time, I am not sure if children would quite understand the book. It does provide real life pictures of animals which would be the most entertaining part of the book. The only way children could grasp the concept of this picture book is if they were in snow. Over all it is an okay book. I feel it is really up to the parents on this one. If your children like snow and wild animals then go for it.
November 30, 2018
This is one of Gert's favorites. She is the one who introduced me to this book. Indeed, it is a good one.
The photographs are splendid!
The animals notice a stranger in the woods. They talk it over as to who will approach the stranger. Eventually the buck greets the stranger. Ah, but who is the stranger?
The sentences structure in this book is outstanding. A nice book to use with students as declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences are all present.
The ending reveals that children can be clever. :) Yes, I like the book.
****
My students were ga-ga over the photographs!
The photographs are splendid!
The animals notice a stranger in the woods. They talk it over as to who will approach the stranger. Eventually the buck greets the stranger. Ah, but who is the stranger?
The sentences structure in this book is outstanding. A nice book to use with students as declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences are all present.
The ending reveals that children can be clever. :) Yes, I like the book.
****
My students were ga-ga over the photographs!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews