Un paseo por el bosque

by Mariona Tolosa Sisteré

Sigue el rastro de un animal, observa la vida que hay debajo de una piedra, escucha el murmullo del agua, siente el sol en la cara. Acompáñanos en este paseo y disfruta de la naturaleza en familia.



Mariona Tolosa estudió Ilustración en Barcelona, donde aprendió a crear mundos a través de técnicas como el acrílico, el lápiz, el collage y las técnicas digitales. El dibujo se convirtió en su pasión y, desde entonces, ha colaborado con empresas e instituciones públicas, ha ilustrado álbumes, libros, artículos, animaciones, carteles, y ha trabajado dibujando retratos, diseñando lettering, imágenes gráficas y estampados textiles.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature

52 pages, Hardcover

Published March 15, 2021

Reviews

[L · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the Woods has great potential and includes wonderful back matter. However, the lack of a sentence or two at the beginning to set up the story leaves the book flat. More of a connection could have been made to the senses. This could be remedied with guided reading. The illustrations are a bit blocky which works okay for the characters but does not work well when looking at different types of beaks, wings, and tails. Beware of stray boobs jutting out from illustrations that distract from the story.

All opinions are my own. Thank you to Net Galley for the eARC

[Rebecca Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Woods: An Adventure for Your Senses by Mariona Tolosa Sisteré (OwlKids Books, September 2023) is the in action tale of a family going on a walk in the woods. With bright paintings to show the action, parent and child dialogue tell of the smells, sights, sounds, and textures that the children and grownups experience through their walk in the woods.


Different perspectives, such as a look at the birds through the two round eyes of binoculars and pages from the children’s sketchbooks, give a unique look to the story. The bright and somewhat abstract illustrations add to the feeling of a whimsical child’s perspective, and it emphasizes that perfection and accuracy is not necessary as we draw in our nature notebooks (which the children are encouraged to do throughout their day). I love the part where a child complains, “There are no animals to draw.” The next page shows a child’s view underneath a rock, where a variety of insects squirm.

Multiple pages of end matter remind children of where to look for natural things: above, around, and under our feet. Tips for finding sensory things in nature (hearing, smelling, touching, and possibly tasting) are accompanied with a safety warning to get permission before touching or tasting.

The semi-abstract art style won’t be for everyone, but In the Woods shines as a visual adventure in picture book form. With the plan-for-a-hike scenes, the active journey portrayed with different views, and the vibrant dialog among the children and grownups, it becomes a sensory journey into the many things one can experience during a hike into the woods. It reminds me of our many homeschool group field trips into nature preserves, complete with the emotions and boo-boos that come from a romp in nature. What a nice glimpse into the joy we can all find in nature!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance review copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever gone for a walk with children in the woods? For that matter, the park, just down the street or even your own backyard? If so, this one will make you smile. It's a cute story of one family's walk in the woods but it's also a teaching adventure on how to engage their attention and focus their senses on seeing, really seeing, what is all around them. I'd say patience is a key.

The illustrations are simple and direct, most carrying a subtle message. For instance, as the book opens one child is worried the then current storm may ruin their planned outing tomorrow. The mother is then seen directing them to check the forecast, noting sunshine is forecast. In other words, use all the sources at your disposal to be ready. As the story progresses, it was interesting to see few things initially in the illustrations to attract their attention. As the story progresses, however, and they are reminded to direct their attention on more than what is right in front of their faces, so to speak, the illustrations become more populated.

Noises can reveal a bird or squirrel, for instance, while, umm, animal waste reveals what was there. Here in Alaska we learn this one quickly, bear scat often being what warns us a bear may be in the area, for example. No bear encounters here, phew, but by the end of the outing they've seen and studied any number of flora and fauna and critters that were initially invisible to their more unfocused frame of mind as they first set out. I also liked the "be prepared" strategy utilized. From sunscreen to bandages and such, minor nicks and scratches were taken care of easily.

Bottom line, an excellent reminder of not just the fun to be had getting outdoors but how to fully take in the experience. Engage your senses, not just your eyes, in other words. Children should enjoy the story and the experiences of this family can provide an opening to discuss what's expected, both behavior wise and what's to be seen, but how to navigate a trail. Thanks #NetGalley and #OwlKidsBooks for taking me along on this fun walk. I imagine I'd have come home with scores of photos taken as we walked. I'm like that. Ha

[The Littles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Combining color and whimsy to the structure of a field guide, In the Woods is a simplistic story about a family eager for a day outdoors.

While it’s tagline declares it to be, “An adventure for your senses,” the experience fell short for both myself and my fellow readers (ages 5, 7, and 9). Instead of the bounty of sensory developments we hoped to share with the characters, the first third of the book featured little more than words delineating items on a page while the family packed. As my oldest commented, “This feels like a grocery list.” Unfortunately, once the principal characters made their way through the woods, the narrative only further devolved.

While Mariona Tolosa Sisteré’s illustrations are brilliant and creative, the story itself reads like a “First 100 Words” board book, Already underwhelmed, my readers lost interest before the final page. That being said, I truly believe the err was on account of our audience’s age. Hoping the story would elaborate on the textures, sounds, scents, sights, and treats the woods had to offer, we were left wanting when a page's only text read, “Chirp chirp. Wow!” However, when placed in the hands of toddlers, pre-K teachers, and librarians, I believe this book has the potential to yield an adventure where each page’s color captivates as much as the next.

Thank you to NetaGalley and Owlkids Books for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[wordjellyreview · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful story about how a family goes on a sensory journey into the woods to enjoy the sights, sounds, & smells of the nature around them. The family spies for animals and their footprints, plants and the fruits, leaves as they tread through the forest. Looking occasionally for creatures around them the story characters look for relevance in the nature book that they carry along with them.
Readers discern to look around for various parts of a tree to the various bird body parts like feathers. the book also gives a subtle message to protect and care for the trees and the forest.
We would have loved if the author would have added more experiences like details of specific creatures or included unique forest creatures , plants and trees.
Thanks to NetGalley for sharing ARC with us. @wordjellyreview

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In the Woods" is an adorable story of a family's adventure walking in the woods. Before they even are able to begin their journey, they are able to explore how seasons, climate, and geography will impact their adventure. While they are walking in the woods, the children begin to ask questions about their new surroundings! They discover new things that heighten their senses - new smells and noises! There is so much to learn about, they have to learn how to be patient, take it all in, and enjoy the journey.
I absolutely loved this book. The illustrations are beautiful. I will definitely recommend this to others!
I received an advanced e-copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#IntheWoods #NetGalley

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really unique book, and it's definitely the art that really stands out!
A family goes out on a hike/day in nature, and uses their senses along the way to enjoy the beauty around them.

There isn't really a full story to follow: it's more about looking at the images and coming to your own conclusions as you read each page. I feel like this story is best enjoyed with a child reading it to themselves (and just savoring and exploring the pictures). Or, if an adult is reading it, really taking the time to look at the images & share what they can see/hear/taste on each page.

We enjoyed the added "info" in the end about what they discovered for each of the senses, and also some guidelines for readers to go and explore nature!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spanish writer-illustrator Mariona Tolosa Sisteré has created a beautiful and important book about exploring nature like a scientist. The narrative of a family visiting the forest includes many moments of conscious observation. We see the characters looking at weather apps, following maps, recording leaf and tree shapes, noticing animals traces. The final pages of the book highlight specifically how one can use all five senses to appreciate the natural world. This is a fantastic book to share with children before embarking on walk in the woods with an important message to slow down, be patient and open up all of our observation skills in order to have a fulfilling experience.

Many thanks to NetGalley for access to this early-release digital edition.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come along as a family explores the woods, and learns to observe and respect nature. I just love the author's illustrations - from her unusual color choices to her oddball characters - she won me over with her art. And, I adore the way she draws insects. I also loved the kids' enthusiasm. How wonderful to see children getting excited about exploring the outdoors!

The books concludes with ways you can use your five senses to help you better enjoy the world around you. Hopefully it will encourage kids (and adults) to put down their screens and get outside.

Thanks to NetGalley and Owlkids for sharing this one.

[Librarian Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed In the Woods. The illustrations are very charming and add a lot of personality to the characters that completely unrelated to the text - for example, one child has a curtain that is still up on the rod tied around her neck as a cape! It's a 50 page book, but it goes really fast and there is very little text on each page. The illustrations give a ton of opportunity to engage a child on every page and have a discussion about what you see. The last chunk of the book is instructive with two page spreads about using your senses, sounds from nature, and guidelines for visiting natural areas.

#IntheWoods #NetGalley

[Theediscerning · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm… The youngest-pitched, but for me not the best, look at the merits of a day in nature. There's no narrative voice or anything – just the dialogue of the kids planning their day, and the tiny fragments of conversation they have when they want to see the creatures but can't as they've only just arrived and scared them off, when they want to play this or that, draw the leaves, and so on. The end matter is a typical advice section about what to take and why, and how to behave and get the best from all the senses – but it still has to be said I've seen better be-mindful-in-the-woods books, and for similar age ranges. The visuals also failed to appeal, so it's an unfortunate two stars.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Owlkids Books through NetGalley.
Sistere appeals to all of the senses as she takes readers on a walk through the woods. The moms and kids show us what to pack to be prepared and then model how to behave while out with nature. Readers can study the illustrations and find different pieces each time. Use this one to introduce nature walks before taking one. It prepares young readers for what they can find.
Adults - Be sure to read the informative text included at the end. Learn to engage all of the senses and the rules for interacting with nature.

[Kristin- Kristin's Bookstack · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is full of colorful images of things you would see on a walk outside. It is perfect for preschool-age children because of the illustrations and few words on the pages. There isn't much of a storyline; only a few odd phrases and words. It does contain information for adults about exploring nature at the end of the book. I felt the content was a little too basic to make it a part of my children's book collection.

Thank you to NetGalley and Owlkid Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Akilah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Woods is a beautifully illustrated children’s book detailing two children’s journey through the woods with their guardian. The book features lots of sensory imagery and bright colored pages to capture its audiences attention.

It’s on the longer side and my little one was distracted by the end of it but it was still enjoyable to read and engage him with.

**I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers

[Margaret Boling · Rating 3 out of 5]

1/15/2024 ~ Original copyright in 2021; translated and released in the U.S. in 2023.

Quirky illustrations with lots of detail. This is probably a book best enjoyed by an individual or lap reading, rather than as a read aloud to a larger group.

(Also, I was bothered by the character with a dog (on a leash), but right next to a sign that said no dogs on the trails. Ironically, the back matter indicated that one should obey all signs when in parks.)

[Alison Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful illustrations; great concept! We will definitely be revisiting this before our next hike. I really appreciated that there was a narrative section where a family went on a hike and showed their preparations and then their adventure, and then a guide to walking in nature at the end. Engaging and helpful for new hikers!

[Kris Reguera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a unique way of educating children in how to behave around the natural world, in a colorful book that seems like a story but is also non fiction and with so many good lists on its pages and extras at the end of the book.

[Karen Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to induce curiosity in the natural word. Illustrates all the wonderfulness of spending time in nature. Is not too text heavy and wonderfully illustrated. Would make a wonderful addition to any children’s /classroom library.

[Liz Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really feel like this same idea has been done better in many cases. I think the art was a miss for me--fun colors and an artsy feel, but would be more interesting to see the range of bird feathers and beaks from real animals.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I read a digital advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher

[Sachi Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, fun and practical guide to exploring nature respectfully and learning outdoors. Great for families or the classroom. Full of tips and lovely illustrations.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sensory family adventure in the woods.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This simple story of a family planning a walk in the woods explores the opportunity for using your senses while exploring nature. The illustrations are fun and light, the text is minimal, but the details are there for conversations. I believe my teachers will love this book when they teach a unit on the senses. Perhaps they will explore the nature area in our schoolyard in 3 different seasons to really allow students to explore their senses!