Giant Steps

by Anaïs Lambert

A young child puts on boots and heads outside to explore—and finds a tiny world of battling beetles, racing snails, and ants on the move in this STEAM-focused picture book for nature lovers.

Each small step into the backyard garden leads to a new and wondrous find that unlocks the imagination, magnifying the world—and even the adventurer!—until the child is taking giant steps through whole forests, tracking a bear, and even pausing to watch a parade of wild creatures dance across the sky. Then an even bigger giant appears to lead the young explorer home!

Giant Steps is full of bright, whimsical illustrations and paper cutouts of plants, insects, and animals that will inspire young readers to play and seek new experiences outdoors.

Little readers interested in science will enjoy feeling like a giant as they step into the equally little explorer’s shoes, while parents and grandparents will enjoy seeing the world once again through a child’s eyes. Each page holds a new nature discovery along with valuable lessons on mindfulness, creativity, and independent play, making Giant Steps the perfect gift for curious young readers ready for adventure.

Genres: Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

Published April 8, 2025

Reviews

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nowhere near as bad as the fact this took seven years to get translated into English would have you believe, this shows a carefully ungendered child's imaginative day on a nature walk. It declares to have diverted "a colony on the move" – well, it left a wellied foot in the way of some ants. It sees helicopters (sycamore seeds, of course), and a tree's gnarly trunk turns into that of an elephant. So don't get it started on what the clouds look like when it lies down for a rest…

I guess this does succeed in encouraging seeing the outside world in a different light – for those kids who can still get to the outside world in our over-urbanised civilisation. It does it with a decent level of humour, imagination and childish hyperbole and exaggeration, before over-egging something about a giant that the back cover spoiled from the get-go. It certainly deserves to be read, but does it do enough to demand a re-read? Is there enough surprise, joy or characterful fun here? Probably not. I certainly liked it, but it is one of those books that only goes so far. Three and a half stars.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giant Steps invites readers on a nature walk, providing a boot-level perspective that revels in the minutiae of the forest floor. A child in green boots is the guide, with a focus on seeing and listening. A long green shape appears snake-like on one page before it is revealed as a garden hose on the next. The narrator observes a “silly, slimy race” before catching “helicopters in midair”, and coming “face to face with an ancient elephant”. The interplay of art and text welcome readers’ questions, comparisons, and interpretations. The book’s strength is in its not naming. It simply points and invites. The colored-pencil and watercolor illustrations employ soft washes and intricate patterns, making ample use of white space. There is the barest hint of story here: “heavy footsteps” may be a bear or giant. The child runs to escape! Child and parent revel in their game together. This book would complement a science unit for budding naturalists, introducing the power of exploration and close observation. A cozy “spring” read with an enticing green palette. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of a child who goes on a walk through the world and uses his imagination with the things that he sees. I love the simplicity of the story as it gives the reader time to ponder what is on each page. What might be a tree truck is an elephant and what is a group of tadpoles is "a hundred eyes watching me". The pictures are whimsical with lots of detail but not overwhelming to look at. This book would be a wonderful way to inspire preschoolers or kindergarten before taking a nature walk and then have them share what things they "saw".

[Mariana Perino · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates growth, curiosity, and the wonders of nature. Through poetic storytelling and captivating artwork, it invites young readers to explore the world around them with imagination and wonder.

Each small step into the backyard garden reveals new discoveries, and as the child's imagination soars, the world grows larger and more magical. This book is a reminder of the importance of curiosity and exploration for a child, as well as the bond between parent and child.

Simple, sweet and perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

[Charley Goodyear · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute, peaceful story that I think would do great for toddlers and younger preschoolers (I'd say its a bit simple for kids over 3.5) We follow a young child on their adventure through nature, mostly focusing on small creatures and imagination. I loved the art and the imagination behind the story, however it wasn't as sciencey as the blurb would have one believe. I do think it would be a good introduction to the concept of a nature walk.

Thank you to Netgalley and Blue Dot Kids Press for the review copy, all opinions are my own.

[Kaitlyn Bieszk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be perfect to read to a very adventurous kid who fills their pockets with rocks, picks up insects, and loves being in nature. The graphics help tell the story, they are simple, and a perfect read for parents to their children.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Dot Kids Press for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative, poetic picture book with vibrant, lush illustrations. Feels almost like a classic. My only issue keeping it from 5 stars is that some of the word choices are lofty and less accessible to littles.

Themes: nature/environment; exploration; imagination
Ages: toddler-1st grade
Pub year: 2025

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Garden ST. Or Green ST. A child with green boots goes on an adventure in the garden asa giant. There are bugs discovered, plants and animals and lot of imagination play. There are few words and it's a good length for ST. Liked that the color palette was all green until the adult boots, which are blue.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story of exploring the outdoors, and seeing nature in a whole new light. It's simply amazing what can be seen when one takes the time to look. The book contains beautiful illustrations by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Blue Dot Kids Press for sharing.

[Kami Mauldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about an adventure and about how our world contains wonderful things in all sizes. It’s a simple book with very positive feelings woven through.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think calling this STEAM is a stretch, but it's a sweet exploration of a backyard.

[Norshakila Makmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

always love nature books.

[Jacqueline Nyathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet book about exploring outside, with (appropriately) huge illustrations and not a lot of text, so is suitable for littler ones. Recommended.

Thanks to Blue Dot Kids and Edelweiss for early access.