The Outside

by Gianna Marino

New York Times bestselling illustrator Gianna Marino helps little ones find their courage to face their fears and explore the world around them.

Earl likes the inside and likes feeling safe. He also likes his friends to be safe and is quick to point out the many dangers of the outside, where his friends are determined to explore. No matter how hard they try to convince Earl to come outside to play, he won’t change his mind.

But…what if Earl needs to go outside? What will it take for his friends to convince him? What will it take for Earl to feel safe on the outside?

In this stunningly illustrated book about friendship, facing your fears, and finding the courage to push past what’s comfortable, Gianna Marino once again uses endearing animals to give young readers a voice.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Friendship, Childrens, Family, Fiction, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

Published June 4, 2024

About the author

Gianna Marino was born in San Francisco and spent her early years galloping horses through Golden Gate Park. Her explorations expanded after graduating from high school and in order to afford her many journeys, Gianna had several jobs at once: apprenticing a muralist, a jewelry designer, a product designer and driving horse carriages through the park. Gianna explored many corners of the world, from Africa and Asia, to the South Pacific and Europe, to crewing on sailboats in the high seas. At work and school, she became known as “Boomerang”.
Gianna finally landed a full-time freelance gig designing toys for children, but after several years in a corporate box with no windows, she left for good and began writing and illustrating books for children.
Though she still wanders the world, Gianna now lives in Northern California and works full-time writing and illustrating.

Reviews

[Sarah Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A (5 years old):

I loved this book.
It’s about prairie dogs.
Sometimes I’m scared and hide too, and then I come out when I feel safe.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too cute!

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you likely know, prairie dogs live in extensive communities, often called prairie dog towns. Whether the extended group is small (as this one is) or massive, their interactions can make a lively and appealing model for many human relationships.
In this case, the story unfolds with speech bubble narratives, delightful perspectives, and one prairie dog, Earl, who is afraid of going outside. He prefers dig-dig-digging underground where he feels safe. His above-ground buddies are on the look out for predators, but Earl fears rain. Earl's fears (of several kinds) play a role in his rescue of the group. Even so, despite their safe survival, Earl relies on his peer support to find security within himself and among his community. OUTSIDE!

This is an excellent offering for young readers to encourage social/emotional learning and discussion, to empathize with characters, to identify/predict storyline, and to flat-out enjoy a funny story.

The double spread back matter includes labeled illustrations of the ways prairie dogs dig complex intentional underground spaces to survive and thrive. I found Earl & Company to be unforgettable, and I hope you will, too.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this picture book about overcoming anxiety actually presents anxiety as an important feeling. So many picture books for kids end up indirectly telling children that their anxieties are unfounded, and that they just need to be shown that bad things won't happen. This one, though, shows that the prairie dog's anxieties are totally founded - there sure are predators and lightning strikes! And the prairie dog's preparations because of those anxieties end up saving the day! But those anxieties don't need to carry us completely, and with the support of friends our character can trust the world a bit more. It's those small nuanced changes in this story that really make a difference!

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earl the prairie dog likes to stay inside - where it’s safe. Outside has scary things, like coyotes that come out at dawn & rainclouds. But when his friends need him, Earl learns that they will keep watch and protect him, and he feels loved on the inside. A great picture book about facing your fears, finding the courage to push past what’s uncomfortable, and true friendship.

Back matter includes a cutaway diagram of a prairie dog burrow with rooms labeled and paragraphs about predators and communication.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earl is the anxious one in his prairie dog pack, and there's a lot to be worried about outside the burrow-- coyotes and storms are just a couple of them! Can his friends help him overcome his worries and enjoy the positives of the outside? A super cute and sweet story about supporting your friends and facing your fears when the time is right.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute story of how I interpret being the anxious planner of the group vs. the easy going nature of the group both collides and benefits. Earl is a sweet little Prairie Dog who plans for the worst and ends up with some great friends in his community who help him see the beauty in the world. Overall, a great children’s book with beautiful illustrations! Giving it 4/5 stars ⭐️

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Earl is a groundhog who is afraid to go outside. All of his friends. see amazing things above ground, but Earl is missing out. I felt that too many of the things that Earl was afraid of wound up coming true, and I don't like unhealthy fear being promoted to children. A lot of the things we worry about never come to fruition. But it's also good to be wary of things that really are dangerous.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the end of this adorable book, I actually said out loud, "Awwwww...that's so CUTE!"

Poor Earl is afraid of the outside, so he stays in his den. Can he overcome this fear with the help and love of his friends?

[Robin Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found in L4L Volume 130.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Themes: animals, friendship, bravery
Ages: 1-3rd grade
Pub year: 2024

[Bookishrealm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't completely blown away by this one, but it's great for readers who are interested in stories about bravery and readers who want to learn a little more about prairie dogs.

[Miguel Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome children’s read. Love the ending.