Wide Open Spaces

by Robyn McGrath

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication May 12, 2026

Reviews

[Anna Yi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update: We read this book every night in anticipation of and during our recent road trip. It helped set my three year old's expectations and give perspective to my eight year old when things didn't go as planned. The kids were still asking to read it by the end of the trip and discovering new layers to the illustrations/story. Can't wait to purchase the physical copy when it's released!

Original review:
The three year old's first words after we finished reading was, "Read it again!" She gives the book 5 enthusiastic stars. The eight year old reports that he enjoyed the pictures. He gave the book 3 stars. I personally thought it would be a nice book for toddlers before their first road trip but maybe not a book I'd regularly read. I appreciated that it acknowledged the harder aspects of a long road trip and offered a gentle nudge towards how one might re-frame challenging moments and cope with all the feelings that can accompany them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Dot Kids Press for the ARC!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated book follows a road-tripping family throughout their travels. The main character copes with frustrations and impatience by enjoying the outdoor scenery and imagining what it would like to be different animals. The story ends on a joyful note as the family arrives at their destination and finally gets to see Grandma, but the book shows that you can enjoy the journey, too.

This book encourages kids to use their imagination and stay present. This can be a helpful first experiences read before a big road trip, and is a nice story about the power of mindfulness to help us get through prolonged, not-ideal experiences.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 104 of 365 ~ 2026

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Oh the frustrations one feels especially when one anticipates seeing their favourite person and it is a long journey to get there.

What makes it worse is being stuck in the middle with noisy siblings.

A good reminder to be in the now, be mindful. It takes a lot to remain calm while juggling emotions that move between being excited and being frustrated. It takes a big person to remember to be kind and understanding.

Gorgeous illustrations and a wonderful story to remind us to be patient as the end is always worth it.

I received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#book104of365 #amreading #netgalley #thisbookfairyisreading #theSGtrekkiereads

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've all been there: the road trip that never seems to end. Sure, there are the amazing sights and sounds...but what about the constant rest stop breaks? The cramped space? The growing anticipation and impatience! In Wide Open Spaces, McGrath writes a beautiful ode to road trip mindfulness. The journey is, of course, just as great as the destination, and our young protagonist finds a way to both be more mindful and help her baby sister do so, too.

This a perfect summertime book, and the illustrations are simply gorgeous. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Britney Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you #NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC children’s book in return for my honest opinion and review.

This story teaches of mindfulness and ways to take in all the things surrounding you to help calm your mind. There are many things you can see, hear and feel if you let your mind reach into the wide open spaces.