Дорога в гору

by Marianne Dubuc, Марианна Дюбюк, Ольга Патрушева (Translator)

В погожий воскресный день барсучиха бабушка Белла отправляется по тропинке на вершину горы. По дороге она встречает друзей, собирает грибы и другие находки, любуется природой. Она многое знает о своей горе, ведь она всю жизнь поднимается по одной и той же дороге туда, откуда можно увидеть весь мир. Однажды утром она встречает Тима, который мечтает забраться на вершину.
Для дошкольного и младшего школьного возраста.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Animals, Childrens, Nature, Adventure, Fiction

72 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2017

About the author

Diplômée en design graphique à l'Université du Québec à Montréal, Marianne Dubuc est auteure et illustratrice. Elle a signé une demi-douzaine de livres jeunesse, notamment deux ouvrages publiés à la rentrée 2010, Devant ma maison et Un éléphant qui se balançait...

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up the Mountain Path is a charming little story that gently teaches the love of nature and the cycles of life. We follow old Mrs. Badger as she makes her weekly trek up to the top of Sugarloaf Peak.



Along the way, she greets her friends, admires the natural beauty, and is always thinking of others. One week, Mrs. Badger notices a young cat, Lulu, is following her progress. Mrs. Badger invites Lulu to join her, and the two make the journey together.



Week after week the two make the trip up the mountain, and Mrs. Badger teaches Lulu how to listen and help and soak in the beauty. Eventually, Mrs. Badger can no longer make the trip and Lulu starts going alone and bringing souvenirs of her trip back for Mrs. Badger to enjoy. Until one day when Lulu notices a young rabbit is following her progress. And so the cycle continues.

The illustrations are sweet and the story can be read with an emphasis on several different aspects (the love of nature, the cycle of life, enjoying the journey, etc.). This is sure to be a favourite for some little ones. I've enjoyed it enough that I plan to get a copy in the original French to add to my personal collection.

4 very sweet stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Princeton Architectural Press for providing me with a DRC of this book.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Sunday, Mrs. Badger makes her way up the path to the top of the mountain. It's a hard trek, but she sees her friends, AND the view from the top is SPECTACULAR! One day, she is joined (somewhat reluctantly), by a small cat named Lulu. From then on, it becomes a tradition that they climb the mountain together . . . until the day when Mrs. Badger can't make it any more.

This was something of a sentimental journey for me, as I used to climb a "mountain" with my dad. We didn't go every Sunday, but on days when it was clear, and we felt like hiking seven miles one way, this was the view that awaited us:



It truly does look like the top of the world.

I doubt I'll ever make the trip again. I am old, and out of shape, and can concoct plenty of other excuses, but mostly because it just wouldn't be the same with any other companion.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle story of friendship and enjoying the outdoors. An elderly badger befriends a young cat and helps him to enjoy the outdoors, observe nature and climb a mountain with her.

It did feel frustrating they called this up the mountain, I think the author must have meant a hill, there are many trees at the top which you wouldn't find anywhere near the top of a mountain. Also I would have rather the badger character had a more inventive name than Mrs Badger but this is a nice tale of friendship, growing old and not being able to do the things you used to.

I found this in the older children's section of our library but there is nothing that couldn't be shared with any age.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this book. It guides you along the way Mrs. Badger guides Lulu the little cat up the mountain path to the top of Sugarloaf Peak with gentle encouragement, the right tools, and wise words. Mrs. Badger is someone who loves to walk and experience the world, and to share that with others. And when Mrs. Badger can no longer make the trek, Lulu carries on the tradition, and shares that too.

"Mrs. Badger is also a poet."

[Dulcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter grabbed this from the library because of the cute cover. It turned out to be a beautiful story about life and death, told in such a gentle way, with such lovely illustrations, that we both fell in love with it.

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful children's picture book, following Mrs Badger who travels up to a big mountain every Sunday, and she likes to make new friends on her travels. On one Sunday, she meets Leo who is a cat and anxious of reaching the peak. Both of them work together and learn lots of life lessons along the way. The illustrations were absolutely beautiful, fast pacing and great characters. I'm a fan!

[Nick Swarbrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly brilliant book of complex themes around friends, ageing, life choices and landscape. An elderly badger introduces a little (and immensely cute) cat to the walk up the mountain and perspectives change, lives grow... If ever you need a life-affirming book that is charming, poignant and beautiful - or want a book to demonstrate how picturebooks are deceptive in their simplicity - this could be the one.

[Bart Moeyaert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Na het diner met negen Engelstalige uitgevers, dat door uitgeverij Querido en het Nederlands Fonds voor de Letteren is georganiseerd, zou ik nog naar Antwerpen kunnen rijden, maar ik doe het niet. Ik overnacht in Amsterdam. Tijdens mijn wandeling naar het NH Hotel dat ik heb geboekt kom ik min of meer tot rust. Moeilijk, al die stemmen van uitgevers en boekenmensen en collega-schrijvers in je hoofd.

In het voordeligste NH Hotel in Amsterdam-Centrum word ik midden in de nacht wakkergebombomd door mijn bovenbuur. Hij of zij heeft om drie uur ’s nachts nog het een en ander te regelen. Hij of zij doet het met schoenen aan en heen en weer. Ik overweeg een tijdlang om een verdieping hoger op een deur te gaan kloppen, maar ik doe het niet. Ik pak ‘Boven op de berg’ van Marianne Dubuc uit mijn bagage en ik concentreer me op de eerste bladzijde van dit kleine prentenboek.

Het gaat goed, maar niet helemaal. Mijn bovenbuur bombombomt door kamer 344. Ik weet precies op welke deur ik zou kunnen gaan bonken, maar nee, ik lees het boek van Dubuc, en ik wil ondertussen wel weten wat Mevrouw Das van plan is. Ze neemt een kat die Kiki heet mee op sleeptouw naar iets wat hogerop ligt en het Suikerbrood heet.

Ondanks de bovenbuur en ondanks het nachtelijk uur moet ik dikwijls glimlachen. Het tedere verhaal van Dubuc is precies wat ik nodig heb, daar in bed, met het drukke gebombombombom boven me.

Een dag later (nu ik dit schrijf en het vervelende lawaai van kamer 344 allang achter me heb gelaten) weet ik nog beter dan eerst waarom ik ‘Boven op de berg’ een fijn, klein prentenboek vind. Ik zou minder tekst willen, dat staat vast, dus moet je de tekst zeker niet als voorleestekst zien. Lees de tekst als volwassene vooraf, en vertel daarna vooral zelf wat je ziet en belangrijk vindt. Hoe beter je Dubuc begrijpt, hoe dichter op je huid dit prentenboek zal zitten. Lees, herlees en interpreteer en maak je eigen tekst bij de beelden.

Hoe het verder is afgelopen: ik weet dat ik ‘Boven op de berg’ op mijn nachtkastje heb gelegd. Ik heb nog een tijdlang naar mijn bovenbuur geluisterd en gedacht: het is zoals het is, en na een tijdje is het verhaal van Mevrouw Das en Kiki overgegaan in de te korte nacht.

‘Boven op de berg’ is uit het Frans vertaald door Jacques Dohmen en uitgegeven door Querido.

[Ellie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each Sunday Mrs Badger walks up to the top of the mountain, a place where she has learned about the world and made friends with animals along the way. One day, Leo the cat spots Mrs Badger, and, regardless of his personal fears, is given the courage to join her on the journey to the top. Dubuc tells a story that is more than just Mrs Badger’s walks up the Mountain alongside Leo, it speaks of learning, friendship between generations, and moments of physical and internal change.
This is a truly beautiful book. I was so touched by the sweeping scenes as the two animals absorb the endless landscapes. A real moment for reflecting upon the enormity of life itself. Mrs Badger describes herself and Leo as being as, ‘Small as a speck of stardust’; such a stunning line, and one that would speak differently to each reader. When coupled with the limitless streams of nature, it is the bond between the two characters that shines.
There is a subtle yet very present feeling of knowing embedded within the pages of this story; an impression that sits in the head long after reading and goes beyond being able to describe. I am not sure how it she does it, but I get the sense that it stems from, like many of us, Dubuc having been both a Leo and a Mrs Badger at various stages in life. Perhaps it is having been a part of a cycle of giving and receiving gentle guidance, and having found a companion in someone kind which allows her to tell a story that feels so inherently part of the reader’s own life.

[BrookesEducationLibrarian]

All the feels for this gorgeous little book, it covers so many themes, including; friendship, ageing and the importance of choice. Highly recommended and very very charming.

[Steve Ellerhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up in Dublin at Books Upstairs (best bookshop in the world!) intending to bring it back for my niece. But when I read it, the book was so perfectly attuned to what I needed that I burst into tears. So I'll be keeping this copy and getting another for my niece. As soulful a book as there can ever be.

[Etienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book/story!! The illustration are good but nothing extraordinary, a bit too soft for my liking, but anyway the story and the message it have is so beautiful and deep. It's a story of life. It talk about sharing, time that goes by, aging, teaching, the beauty of nature, the cycle of everything. Really and extraordinary book for children and adults too!

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The marvelous Marianne Dubuc, French-Canadian picture-book creator extraordinaire, delivers another winner with Up the Mountain Path, which pairs a lovely, heartfelt, and ultimately heartwarming tale with beautiful illustrations. Here we follow the story of Mrs. Badger, a kindhearted amateur naturalist who likes to hike to the top of nearby Sugarloaf Peak every Sunday. When her path crosses with Lulu the cat's, she invites this new feline friend along, teaching her many things in the course of their journey. The two are soon hiking together every weekend, until the day Mrs. Badger is too tired to continue. Then Lulu carries on alone, bringing all the news back to her musteline elder, and eventually welcoming a newcomer herself...

Originally published in French as Le chemin de la montagne, this lovely picture-book has that gentle, heartfelt quality that I associate with Dubuc's best work, and is now tied with her The Lion and the Bird as my favorite title, from amongst her works. The artwork is beautiful, capturing the emotional register of each scene perfectly. There is an understated sense of compassion and connection to be found here, in the little details. When Mrs. Badger assures Lulu in the text that it isn't much further, gently touching her on the head as they walk along, I got a lump in my throat. The way in which the narrative comes full circle, as Lulu ends up sharing her food and her journey with another newcomer, just as Mrs. Badger shared with her, creates a conclusion that is immensely satisfying. Recommended to fellow Marianne Dubuc fans, and to anyone looking for (longer) children's stories about friendship, compassion, and a love of the natural world.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what your Sundays are like but mine definitely don’t involve hiking up a mountain every weekend. However, for Mrs Badger this is what she loves and rightly so. One day she has the opportunity to share her journey with Leo the cat who at first lacks the confidence to join her but through encouragement and kindness, Mrs Badger shows him the way. Fantastic illustrations and subtle colours allow us to experience the landscapes along with the characters in the story and we to are able appreciate the beauty of it all.

This story is so much more than just a walk up a mountain, it’s a tale of friendship, wisdom, kindness and the beauty of nature. Mrs Badger passes on everything she has learnt from her journeys up the mountain almost as though she is a sort of mentor to Leo. She even teaches him how to appreciate nature and all it has to offer; from small tortoises, to red-headed buzzards. I think everyone has someone come to mind when reading this book, someone they looked up to and someone that taught them the ways of the world and our place in it. I would love to know if Dubuc based Mrs Badger on someone who was that person to her.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended to me for inter-generational friendship; did not disappoint. Lovely, gentle story of a beautiful tradition handed down to a younger friend. Illustrations suit. Words fail me... just know that I do recommend it and will look for more by the author.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem by Dubuc! Charming, gentle, beautiful and just a little sad.

[Avital Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely calming, nature read for younger children. Touches on the theme of losing strength and slowing down towards the end of life, but remains uplifting by showing how life goes on (in a cycle) and knowledge and experiences can be passed on and shared again.

There are lots of opportunities to link to many subject areas (maths- measurement, English- poetry, geography- maps, science-plants and environments, pshe- sharing and loss of and older friend/relative)

Beautiful illustrations keep the flow of the book at a good pace without being rushed.

[Kate Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this book! My six year-old, who generally doesn't give opinions on books unless they have monsters or destruction in, told me that he liked this book which is high praise indeed! The summary describes it as being about friendship and sharing, which it is, but it is also a subtle introduction to the circle of life. Don't let the number of pages put off younger readers as there are only one or two sentences per double page

[James Tostevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly heart warming book about friendship and exploring the beauty of our world. What a joy to read!

[Tayebe Ej · Rating 4 out of 5]

داستانی درباره ی زندگی و مرگ.

ترجمه شده با عنوان: در راه کوه
انتشارات بازی و اندیشه (کیفیت چاپش انصافا نسبت به کیفیت چاپ کتابهای قبلیشون، خیلی عالی شده)

[Sophie Hearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marianne Dubuc is a genius, i feel as though she’s captured my childhood in a book.

Mrs badger feels like an all knowledgable grandma to the animals in the forest and it’s heartwarming watching how she helps each animal she crosses as she makes her way to the mountain.
When she comes across Leo the cat, its clear that he needs a bit of encouraging to go up the mountain but she’s more than happy to encourage him. Leo asks her many questions and she’s very patient, giving him all the answers he needs while teaching him how to help others too.

As the story progresses, Leo begins to take charge of the walks and greets everyone they both meet while helping Mrs Badger on her walk until she can no longer go up the mountain herself and Leo brings back many treasures to share with her.
As time moves on, the mountain walk becomes Leos walk and we as readers are reminded of those who have helped us on our own form of walks as we travel our own path of life today.


This book is such a wonderful illustration of how those who are kind to us and are patient in life help guide us until we can form our own paths and journeys. I love that Mrs Badger is depicted as a warm, elderly animal in comparison to the young and curious Leo as it’s important that books do still explore the relationship amongst different ages.

It made me surprisingly emotional as i was reminded of the adventures and walks my nan and i would share and how patient she had been herself with me when i was that child with an endless stream of questions.
It is a beautiful book to share with a loved one as we are reminded of how our kindness and interest in others can guide them too.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 étoiles & 5/10 cœurs. Quel livre tout simplement époustouflant ! Les illustrations sont si simples et belles; le texte est mignon et si facile à lire à haute voix - et explique tout parfaitement en quelques mots seulement ; l'histoire est si belle… Je l'ai lu deux fois de suite et j'ai fini avec les larmes au yeux. C'est merveilleux ! Certainement l'un des meilleurs livres pour enfants que j'ai jamais vu.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. What a simply breathtaking book! The illustrations are so simple and beautiful; the text is sweet and so easy to read aloud—and perfectly explains everything in just a few words; the story is darling… I read this twice in a row and almost cried over it. It’s marvellous! Definitely one of the best children’s books I have ever seen.

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I knew a reader had the patience to endure my presence and we walk through this delightful story together then I'd write a far greater wealth of words about this picturebook. French Canadian, Dubuc again presents us with an endearing story about friendships between different species and shows us an intimate and carefully-paced story of a friendship whose tenets will pass on through generations.
'Mrs. Badger is old' but living a frugal life that involves plenty of walking and spending quality time with those she meets along the path: she is wise and well-loved. As she walks up a small mountain one day she find herself followed by a shy, inquisitive cat (it's in his nature after all) named Leo. Together they bond as Mrs. Badger shares with Leo her understanding of the natural world and models how to tend to it, live within it and appreciate it.
A beautiful, inter-generational story of love, kindness and inner peace and one which, perhaps, touches on the idea that we can enjoy life by simply giving time to that which has always been free to all of us.
Up the Mountain is tender as is it true and is held together by Dubuc's colour-pencil and watercolours and Ardizzone's enviable translation skill.
I am interested in a few things!
1. The title seems to have gone through a few changes
2. As has the gender of the cat - I'd be fascinated to know why.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about the circle of life, friendship, learning from elders, and enjoying life and nature. Each Sunday Mrs Badger walks up to the top of the mountain, a place where she can sit and see the world, Along the way she makes friends with various animals and helps when she can. One day, Leo the cat spots Mrs Badger, and, even though he is afraid and doesn't think he can make it, Mrs. Badger helps him reach the top. The journey repeats itself every Sunday, until Mrs. Badger is too tired and can't make it anymore. When Lulu heads up the mountain alone, she brings back items and stories to Mrs. Badger. Eventually, she meets a reluctant friend and the tradition continues.

Dubuc's story is simple, poetic and told through illustrations and text. I love the depictions of the mountain, nature and the panorama they see at the top of the mountain. This is a great story about life, encouraging one another, taking the first step, and so much more. A story for families everywhere. The publisher, Princeton Architectural Press, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a darling book that hits on so many important themes, such as; friendship, conservation, sharing, nature, death, aging, kindness and healthy habits. I loved everything about this book from the beautiful illustrations to the tender and sweet story. This book will aid in creating dialogue with children about all the themes listed above. It will become a cherished book for everyone in the family. A very special story that is meant to be shared.

[Chance Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a story about nature and the passage of time and there's even a squirrel named Doris.

[Katie Mote · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book. The illustrations are beautiful, with little facts scattered throughout that the children can pick up on and learn about nature. We see throughout the book how Mrs Badgers kindness shared with others is reflected by everyone saying hello and wanting to join in. As Leo comes along on the adventure up the mountain one Sunday we truly see the kindness and love of Mrs Badger. How she is patient, caring, wise and considerate. She answers all of Leos questions with care and thought. She doesn't hold back in sharing life and adventure with Leo, but instead welcomes him with open arms. Happily letting him enjoy the mountain too so that he can continue and share it with others again and again. There are so many themes woven into this book, as you turn each page it feels as though you are being welcome too into this adventure, sharing all that Mrs Badger knows and explores. Would be an interesting question to ask children whether they have ever met a Mrs Badger?

[Nikta Khoraman · Rating 5 out of 5]

عنوان فارسی کتاب: در راه کوه
انتشارات: بازی و اندیشه
مناسب ۵ تا ۱۰۰ ساله‌ها
ولی حالا جدی: ۵ تا ۹ سال
این هم اضافه شد به لیست کتاب‌های محبوبم:*
یک زندگی کاملا واقعی رو به تصویر می‌‌‌کشه.
از لذت‌های ساده‌ تا سختی‌‌هایی که هرروز باهاش مواجه می‌شیم و میتونه مثل سربالایی کوه نفس‌مون رو بگیره. تا پیری و مرگ.
اما بین همه‌ی این سختی‌ها کسایی که کنارمون هستن مهم‌ان. که دست‌مون رو بگیرن. که با هم آواز بخونیم و از بالای کوه پایین رو تماشا کنیم.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

love a smoool kitty and a full circle moment

[Maria Johansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stien på bjerget er en smuk fortælling om livets cyklus. Den handler om at miste, men også om de spor et nært venskab efterlader. Bogen er en oplagt støtte, når mindre børn oplever at miste en ældre, som har stået dem nær. Den er en indsigt i livets gang og i, hvordan livet fortsætter og nye relationer opstår, selv når de tætteste forsvinder.
Marianna Dubuc laver også selv illustrationerne til sine bøger, og måske er det derfor, de i så høj grad formår at indkapsle stemningen og understøtte historien.
Hendes penselstrøg er lette og omfavnende, og deres mildhed bidrager til den poetiske fortælling.