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Life in the Wild
Up the Creek
There once was a bear, a moose and a beaver who were the best of friends, though they often disagreed. So when the three friends go canoeing together one sunny day, it doesn't take long for them to start quarreling with one another. First, they can't decide who should get to steer the canoe. Later, they debate how best to get across a beaver dam that blocks their way. But when they can't agree on the proper course for maneuvering through the white-water rapids they suddenly find themselves in, the consequences become truly perilous. It takes a long, uncomfortable night spent stranded on a rock to remind the bear, the moose and the beaver what they often forget: everything turns out better when they work together as a team.
As with his other popular books in the Life in the Wild series, featuring these three lovable animal characters, author-illustrator Nicholas Oldland has created a funny romp of a picture book adventure for young children that will be a favorite choice in the classroom. Oldland's distinctive, simple and playful artwork tells much of the tale on its own, with lots of visual humor in the characters' facial expressions and the numerous asides throughout. At its core, this is a fun, contemporary fable that champions the importance of teamwork, cooperation and communication while also promoting the joys to be found in nature, specifically the wilder parts of the outdoors. This book could serve as an introduction to discussions on animals and their environments in the early grades as well.
As with his other popular books in the Life in the Wild series, featuring these three lovable animal characters, author-illustrator Nicholas Oldland has created a funny romp of a picture book adventure for young children that will be a favorite choice in the classroom. Oldland's distinctive, simple and playful artwork tells much of the tale on its own, with lots of visual humor in the characters' facial expressions and the numerous asides throughout. At its core, this is a fun, contemporary fable that champions the importance of teamwork, cooperation and communication while also promoting the joys to be found in nature, specifically the wilder parts of the outdoors. This book could serve as an introduction to discussions on animals and their environments in the early grades as well.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2013
13 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Oldland
20 books44 followersNicholas Oldland earned a degree in Fine Arts at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, Canada and enjoyed success as a commercial artist and filmmaker before taking up the role of Creative Director at Hatley, a popular apparel company.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
March 21, 2020
Funny story, awesome illustrations! Up the Creek is my favorite from the Life in the Wild series.
October 11, 2020
Close but not quite. This story about disagreements among friends while paddling a canoe is just too stiff in both story and art.
March 12, 2019
I finally got my hands on the remaining book in this series! It's actually one of the stronger ones, I think, because it's so relatable, especially to people with siblings. The animals' canoeing trip--and resulting squabbling--reminded me of outdoor outings my family used to take. They'd inevitably end up with me and my sister at each other's throats. (In fact, the last time we took out the canoes, we were relegated to separate ones because our parents knew we'd just fight if we were in the same boat together!)
In this book, Bear, Moose, and Beaver decide to go canoeing. But they can't agree on anything. They all want to steer, so they all try to sit in the back (with predictable results). Once they bail out all the water and get going again, they all want to paddle on the left... which means they go in circles. Eventually, they get things straightened out, only to hit a patch of rapids. Then they're really up the creek!
This is a great addition to the Life in the Wild series, and probably one of my favourites about these funny animals. I do wish that they had worn life jackets while canoeing (which wouldn't be that weird, considering Moose wore one in Making the Moose Out of Life when he went sailing). Other than that, though, this is a pretty entertaining read.
Quotable moment:
In this book, Bear, Moose, and Beaver decide to go canoeing. But they can't agree on anything. They all want to steer, so they all try to sit in the back (with predictable results). Once they bail out all the water and get going again, they all want to paddle on the left... which means they go in circles. Eventually, they get things straightened out, only to hit a patch of rapids. Then they're really up the creek!
This is a great addition to the Life in the Wild series, and probably one of my favourites about these funny animals. I do wish that they had worn life jackets while canoeing (which wouldn't be that weird, considering Moose wore one in Making the Moose Out of Life when he went sailing). Other than that, though, this is a pretty entertaining read.
Quotable moment:
April 13, 2020
What do I love most about the moose, the bear and the beaver books by Nicholas Oldland? Opening this book is like the heralding of a trumpet - whichever grandchildren are within earshot when I begin reading, come clambering onto my arms and shoulders to peer into the book and listen . It doesn't matter how many times I read this and it doesn't seem to matter if they are two or ten years old, arms and legs are everywhere vying for the spot closest to (me) the book
(this review repeats itself on all of the moose, the bear, and the beaver books by Oldland)
(this review repeats itself on all of the moose, the bear, and the beaver books by Oldland)
December 4, 2013
This little book made me laugh so hard...I totally love the illustrations! A wonderful little read about respecting our differences and learning to work together/conflict resolution and never giving up! Thanks for a great little story Nicholas!
February 8, 2020
Canadian picture-book creator Nicholas Oldland returns to the wild world of Bear, Moose and Beaver in this fourth picture-book, this time chronicling how the three friends must learn to work together, during the course of a canoe trip. Each animal has his own ideas about steering, paddling, and what to do when one encounters a beaver dam. Their arguing eventually leads them into a hairy situation, as they shoot toward a particularly wild series of rapids...
Having greatly enjoyed the previous three picture-books about these friends - there is one each, for Bear, Moose and Beaver - I picked up this fourth entry in Oldland's series with great anticipation. I love the sense of humor in these stories, and the way they gently impart important messages without ever feeling didactic. Here the message is about working together to achieve a common goal, and it is delivered naturally, through an amusing tale. As ever, Oldland's simple artwork is drolly expressive, capturing the sense of humor throughout. Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed other books about these characters, and to anyone seeking children's stories about teamwork.
Having greatly enjoyed the previous three picture-books about these friends - there is one each, for Bear, Moose and Beaver - I picked up this fourth entry in Oldland's series with great anticipation. I love the sense of humor in these stories, and the way they gently impart important messages without ever feeling didactic. Here the message is about working together to achieve a common goal, and it is delivered naturally, through an amusing tale. As ever, Oldland's simple artwork is drolly expressive, capturing the sense of humor throughout. Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed other books about these characters, and to anyone seeking children's stories about teamwork.
April 18, 2022
Wanted to give this children's book a go....turns out not all children books are good enough for adults to enjoy them....
The message was nice,yet generic.
The writing style was so simple,it began to annoy me a little bit.
Would reccomend it to kids between 3-6,but if you are above that age - please don't waste your time reading it.
The message was nice,yet generic.
The writing style was so simple,it began to annoy me a little bit.
Would reccomend it to kids between 3-6,but if you are above that age - please don't waste your time reading it.
September 9, 2019
I taught this to kids. It is a pretty good (and straight-forward) book about working as a team. Your mileage may vary on whether or not the kids work in a team afterwards.
January 7, 2020
Bear, Moose, and Beaver are friends who argue all the time. They go on a canoe trip, but can't decide who should sit in the back, which side to paddle on, or how to get over obstacles in the river. They all have a different idea about how to do things, and nothing gets done. Can these friends finally agree on something before their trip ends in disaster?
This picture book is adorable and very funny! The illustrations are really hilarious. The poor animal friends are thrown out of the canoe several times and the Beaver tries to eat the wooden paddles. They paddle in circles and get stuck in the rapids. At one point, they consider burning the canoe, but decide to continue their trip down the river.
I love the cartoony illustrations with clear lines and bright colors. The characters are funny, and I love the dynamic of their friendship when they finally learn to get along and listen to one another.
Sweet and hilarious, this book is perfect for reading with young children!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of all these books from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This picture book is adorable and very funny! The illustrations are really hilarious. The poor animal friends are thrown out of the canoe several times and the Beaver tries to eat the wooden paddles. They paddle in circles and get stuck in the rapids. At one point, they consider burning the canoe, but decide to continue their trip down the river.
I love the cartoony illustrations with clear lines and bright colors. The characters are funny, and I love the dynamic of their friendship when they finally learn to get along and listen to one another.
Sweet and hilarious, this book is perfect for reading with young children!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of all these books from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
November 12, 2018
Best friends the bear, the moose, and the beaver take a canoe trip, but they have different ideas about who should steer and which direction they should go. In their bickering, they stop paying attention, and they enter fast-moving rapids and crash. Their arguing starts again as they disagree what to do. My favorite lines: “The bear wanted to throw the beaver to shore to get help. The beaver figured swimming to shore would be safer.” After a night’s rest, the three friend realize that the only way they can get home is to work together.
Up the Creek includes illustrations that are in my favorite style: they are funny and bold, with bright colors. I got a kick out of spotting the cute red bird that followed the friends on their adventure. The story itself shows the importance of cooperation, and, to a lesser extent, to value diverse skills, since the friends succeed when they each contribute their particular talents. This is a great book to encourage discussions about how getting one’s own way isn’t always the best thing for children. I think kids will love the silliness of the characters and enjoy the narrative. They’ll also learn words like portside and portage!
...aka darzy... | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Up the Creek includes illustrations that are in my favorite style: they are funny and bold, with bright colors. I got a kick out of spotting the cute red bird that followed the friends on their adventure. The story itself shows the importance of cooperation, and, to a lesser extent, to value diverse skills, since the friends succeed when they each contribute their particular talents. This is a great book to encourage discussions about how getting one’s own way isn’t always the best thing for children. I think kids will love the silliness of the characters and enjoy the narrative. They’ll also learn words like portside and portage!
...aka darzy... | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
October 27, 2019
5/4,5
Ezek nagyon dinkák :D A hódot meg imádom. Olyan eszelős tekintete van.
Ezek nagyon dinkák :D A hódot meg imádom. Olyan eszelős tekintete van.
May 28, 2020
Good book about the importance of cooperation. Lovely illustrations too!
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December 20, 2024wdym they wanted to throw the beaver ???? 🦫
November 25, 2013
A bear, a moose, and a beaver decide to go canoeing. Trouble is they all disagree about who is going to do what part of the canoeing. So they end up capsizing, going in circles, and doing everything else that they shouldn’t do. Eventually they figure out just what they need to do in order to move forward. But they forget to pay attention to where they are going. And often rivers where you canoe tend to have “wild white-water rapids.” All three friends have different strategies for dealing with the rapids, which leaves them stranded on a rock in the middle of the river. Now they have to figure out how to save themselves from being on the rock. Moose wants to “burn the canoe to make a signal fire.” Bear wants to “throw the beaver to the shore to get help.” Beaver wants to swim to shore. Eventually they realize they could work together to paddle through the rapids and make it to shore. Where they eventually walk home instead of going on the river again.
This is a fun story. I love the spunky personalities of the three friends. I love the browns, blacks, greens, and blues of the book–only off set by the red canoe and the random bird that is never mentioned but who shows up in most of the illustrations. (Even in the last one with a canoe paddle.) Kids will enjoy reading about these crazy and unlikely friends who finally learn the lesson about working together to get through a crisis. And the small size of the picture book will help the little youngsters feel confident in holding the book and looking at it themselves.
This is a fun story. I love the spunky personalities of the three friends. I love the browns, blacks, greens, and blues of the book–only off set by the red canoe and the random bird that is never mentioned but who shows up in most of the illustrations. (Even in the last one with a canoe paddle.) Kids will enjoy reading about these crazy and unlikely friends who finally learn the lesson about working together to get through a crisis. And the small size of the picture book will help the little youngsters feel confident in holding the book and looking at it themselves.
October 31, 2013
I don’t care about books in a series, but this one is really good. The concept of teamwork is provided.
The best part of this book is when the animals take a break from canoeing so they can relieve themselves.
The best part of this book is when the animals take a break from canoeing so they can relieve themselves.
June 30, 2017
Kouzelná kniha nejenom pro děti. Má vtipné a opravdu povedené ilustrace a jelikož se vlastně jedná o bajku, najdeme v ní i nějaká ta ponaučení...
September 10, 2021
An excellent story for kids for learning about team working.
Read
August 12, 2024Meant for children, this book has a strong message of cooperation, teamwork, and friendship.
January 2, 2022
Αν και στο site τους λέει ότι είναι από 4 ετών, θεωρώ ότι είναι καλό ακόμη και για άνω του ενός! Η εικονογράφηση είναι μεν απλή όμως δεν είναι άσχημη. Το δυνατό σημείο είναι η ιστορία και τα μηνύματα που περνάει για την ανάγκη συνεννόησης και συνεργασίας. Τα γράφει πολύ καλύτερα η Ελένη Χοντολίδου από το περιοδικό Αναγνώστης (14/10/14), αποσπάσματα από την οποία αντιγράφω (ολόκληρο υπάρχει στην επίσημη σελίδα των εκδόσεων για το βιβλίο):
"Ο δρόμος από την κοιλιά της μαμάς μας στην κοινωνία, από το εγώ στο εμείς, από τη μοναξιά στη φιλία είναι μία δύσβατη πορεία γεμάτη υποχωρήσεις, συμβιβασμούς και στραπατσάρισμα του εγώ μας. Με εξαιρετικά αποτελέσματα όμως: δεν είμαστε μόνοι, παίζουμε και μαθαίνουμε πράγματα, διασκεδάζουμε. Γινόμαστε άνθρωποι, καθώς ο κόσμος είναι οι άλλοι, εμείς με τους άλλους, οι άλλοι με εμάς.
Το βιβλίο του Nicholas Oldland, κείμενο και ζωγραφική (απλή, με χιούμορ και εύκολη να αντιγραφεί από τα παιδιά) είναι ένα βιβλίο που αγαπιέται πολύ για το νόημα και τη ζωγραφική του. Με παραδειγματικό τρόπο, μία αρκούδα, ένας τάρανδος κι ένας κάστορας, (...) ξεκινούν να κάνουν μία βόλτα με το κανό. Σιγά-σιγά αρχίζουν να καταλαβαίνουν ότι το ταξίδι είναι μια συλλογική υπόθεση. Ειδικά, όταν είμαστε στη φύση, χωρίς συνεργασία δεν μπορούμε να επιβιώσουμε. Κι όσο κι αν είναι δύσκολο να συνεννοηθούμε γιατί είναι δύσκολο να βγούμε από τον εαυτό μας είναι ακριβώς αυτό που μας κάνει ανθρώπους. Αυτό είναι ΤΟ μάθημα που έχουν να πάρουν τα παιδιά και το παίρνουν με πολύ αποτελεσματικό τρόπο με αυτό το βιβλίο.
Πολύ βαθύ το μήνυμα που μπορεί να αποκωδικοποιηθεί με διαφορετική ένταση από παιδιά διαφορετικής ηλικίας, πράγμα που συμβαίνει με όλα τα καλά παιδικά βιβλία. (...)
Εντελώς προκατειλημμένη ως η «νονά» και η πρώτη εργαζόμενη του Αρκτούρου, ο οποίος δεν χρειάζεται συστάσεις (θα ήθελα να πιστεύω), πρέπει να υπογραμμίσουμε ότι η έκδοση υποστηρίζει τον Αρκτούρο, δίνοντας πληροφορίες για την οργάνωση και την άγρια φύση στην Ελλάδα. Ένας ακόμη λόγος να αγοραστεί το βιβλίο, λοιπόν!"
"Ο δρόμος από την κοιλιά της μαμάς μας στην κοινωνία, από το εγώ στο εμείς, από τη μοναξιά στη φιλία είναι μία δύσβατη πορεία γεμάτη υποχωρήσεις, συμβιβασμούς και στραπατσάρισμα του εγώ μας. Με εξαιρετικά αποτελέσματα όμως: δεν είμαστε μόνοι, παίζουμε και μαθαίνουμε πράγματα, διασκεδάζουμε. Γινόμαστε άνθρωποι, καθώς ο κόσμος είναι οι άλλοι, εμείς με τους άλλους, οι άλλοι με εμάς.
Το βιβλίο του Nicholas Oldland, κείμενο και ζωγραφική (απλή, με χιούμορ και εύκολη να αντιγραφεί από τα παιδιά) είναι ένα βιβλίο που αγαπιέται πολύ για το νόημα και τη ζωγραφική του. Με παραδειγματικό τρόπο, μία αρκούδα, ένας τάρανδος κι ένας κάστορας, (...) ξεκινούν να κάνουν μία βόλτα με το κανό. Σιγά-σιγά αρχίζουν να καταλαβαίνουν ότι το ταξίδι είναι μια συλλογική υπόθεση. Ειδικά, όταν είμαστε στη φύση, χωρίς συνεργασία δεν μπορούμε να επιβιώσουμε. Κι όσο κι αν είναι δύσκολο να συνεννοηθούμε γιατί είναι δύσκολο να βγούμε από τον εαυτό μας είναι ακριβώς αυτό που μας κάνει ανθρώπους. Αυτό είναι ΤΟ μάθημα που έχουν να πάρουν τα παιδιά και το παίρνουν με πολύ αποτελεσματικό τρόπο με αυτό το βιβλίο.
Πολύ βαθύ το μήνυμα που μπορεί να αποκωδικοποιηθεί με διαφορετική ένταση από παιδιά διαφορετικής ηλικίας, πράγμα που συμβαίνει με όλα τα καλά παιδικά βιβλία. (...)
Εντελώς προκατειλημμένη ως η «νονά» και η πρώτη εργαζόμενη του Αρκτούρου, ο οποίος δεν χρειάζεται συστάσεις (θα ήθελα να πιστεύω), πρέπει να υπογραμμίσουμε ότι η έκδοση υποστηρίζει τον Αρκτούρο, δίνοντας πληροφορίες για την οργάνωση και την άγρια φύση στην Ελλάδα. Ένας ακόμη λόγος να αγοραστεί το βιβλίο, λοιπόν!"
August 3, 2022
There once was a bear, a moose and a beaver who were the best of friends, though they often disagreed. So when the three friends go canoeing together one sunny day, it doesn't take long for them to start quarreling with one another. First, they can't decide who should get to steer the canoe. Later, they debate how best to get across a beaver dam that blocks their way. But when they can't agree on the proper course for maneuvering through the white-water rapids they suddenly find themselves in, the consequences become truly perilous. It takes a long, uncomfortable night spent stranded on a rock to remind the bear, the moose and the beaver what they often forget: everything turns out better when they work together as a team.
As with his other popular books in the Life in the Wild series, featuring these three lovable animal characters, author-illustrator Nicholas Oldland has created a funny romp of a picture book adventure for young children that will be a favorite choice in the classroom. Oldland's distinctive, simple and playful artwork tells much of the tale on its own, with lots of visual humor in the characters' facial expressions and the numerous asides throughout. At its core, this is a fun, contemporary fable that champions the importance of teamwork, cooperation and communication while also promoting the joys to be found in nature, specifically the wilder parts of the outdoors. This book could serve as an introduction to discussions on animals and their environments in the early grades as well
As with his other popular books in the Life in the Wild series, featuring these three lovable animal characters, author-illustrator Nicholas Oldland has created a funny romp of a picture book adventure for young children that will be a favorite choice in the classroom. Oldland's distinctive, simple and playful artwork tells much of the tale on its own, with lots of visual humor in the characters' facial expressions and the numerous asides throughout. At its core, this is a fun, contemporary fable that champions the importance of teamwork, cooperation and communication while also promoting the joys to be found in nature, specifically the wilder parts of the outdoors. This book could serve as an introduction to discussions on animals and their environments in the early grades as well
September 11, 2020
I think we all can relate to this book, even as adults. Our dear friends bear, moose, and beaver are spending the day in the great outdoors but instead of listening to nature, they’re bickering. Fighting over just about everything, as they spend the day canoeing together.
I laughed as the friends ended up going around in circles, as they tipped their boat and as they encountered some scary waters but these three just couldn’t get along even after each struggle. There were other adventures that these three had while on their canoeing trip and I smile just thinking of them. The illustrations in this book are terrific as they work so well with the text. This is a entertaining book yet it’s also one that has some important lessons tucked inside it.
I laughed as the friends ended up going around in circles, as they tipped their boat and as they encountered some scary waters but these three just couldn’t get along even after each struggle. There were other adventures that these three had while on their canoeing trip and I smile just thinking of them. The illustrations in this book are terrific as they work so well with the text. This is a entertaining book yet it’s also one that has some important lessons tucked inside it.
September 20, 2024
I love this author's books and have now read all of the releases in this series.
This book is excellent and a great addition to the series - this book is part of a series but it is fine to read as a stand alone as are the other books in the series I do recommend them all as they are all excellent in their own ways.
I love the illustrations in this series, they work so well with the text to bring everything to life for the reader.
This story is well written and easy to read and follow, Beaver, Moose and Big Bear are great characters and I love how they work together.
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
This book is excellent and a great addition to the series - this book is part of a series but it is fine to read as a stand alone as are the other books in the series I do recommend them all as they are all excellent in their own ways.
I love the illustrations in this series, they work so well with the text to bring everything to life for the reader.
This story is well written and easy to read and follow, Beaver, Moose and Big Bear are great characters and I love how they work together.
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
January 3, 2018
Hilarious! All my Canadian friends should know and love this book! They portage, eh?
A nice story aboot working together and getting out while the getting’s good.
Funny, simple pictures that will appeal to young kids. This will be a really fun read aloud. Thanks to my sister and my niblings for gifting me this one for Christmas.
A nice story aboot working together and getting out while the getting’s good.
Funny, simple pictures that will appeal to young kids. This will be a really fun read aloud. Thanks to my sister and my niblings for gifting me this one for Christmas.
January 13, 2020
This book is in the charming series of LIFE IN THE WILD. Our favorite threesome, Bear, Moose and Beaver are taking a canoe ride. They learn that it works best when they are agreeable and think through their decisions together. The vocabulary in this book is impressive and natural. What a wonderful way to become acquainted with such words as stern, portage and rapids.
January 14, 2022
Bear, Moose and Beaver decided to take a canoe ride one day. They are so busy arguing with each other at one point that they fail to notice that they are heading into rough waters. When their boat becomes stranded on a rock the arguing begins again until finally they realize they have to work together to get out of their current predicament.
Perfect for a storytime on cooperation and teamwork.
Perfect for a storytime on cooperation and teamwork.
September 10, 2020
A unique book with a cooperation or teamwork message. Three animal friends need to navigate the water with their canoe and struggle when they don't listen to each other learning that cooperation is the way to get things done.
February 17, 2022
Three friends - Bear, Moose, and Beaver - go canoeing. They can't agree on anything on that trip and end up needing to be rescued. This is such a comical story. Look for the little bird, too. Great illustrating.
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October 16, 2023This is a picture book about a bear, a moose, and a beaver who are best friends, but often argue about different things. This book shows the different arguments they have while traveling in the canoe.
February 4, 2024
This book is about different animals working as a team after they put their selfishness to the side to make it home. This was a fun read because of the antics of the animals. I recommend this book to be read to Pre-K through Kindergartners, however read to self for 1st through 3rd graders.
June 25, 2017
Funny little story about the need for cooperation and teamwork.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews