If You Get Lost

by Nikki Loftin, Deborah Marcero (Illustrator)

In this gentle read-aloud--a modern day Velveteen Rabbit --a stuffed bunny comes to life after getting lost on a family's camping trip, then finds its way back to its child.

"If you get lost, and you might get lost...." In simple language that speaks directly to us, a magical and soothing story unfolds. A little girl accidentally drops her stuffed bunny out the car window, and the bunny--which has quietly come alive-- feels scared. Searching up, down, in, out, and between, it soon finds itself among a group of friendly forest animals, who accompany it on its journey. Together they frolic through the woods and over a stream until the bunny finds itself safely back where it belongs, in the little girl's arms.

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

40 pages, Library Binding

Published July 18, 2023

About the author

Nikki Loftin is the author of The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy, which Publishers Weekly called "mesmerizing," and Kirkus called "irresistible," and Nightingale's Nest, which received a starred review from Kirkus. She lives with her Scottish photographer husband just outside Austin, Texas, surrounded by dogs, goats, and small, loud boys.

Nikki is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin graduate writing program (MA, '98). She has been a popcorn seller, waitress, bookstore employee, Music and Gifted/Talented teacher, and a Director of Family Ministries.

Nikki teaches Zumba dance/aerobics in a mostly vain attempt to combat the ever-threatening Writer's Butt. When under extreme stress, or on submission with a novel, she bakes obsessively as a coping technique. Her favorite food/obsession is ice cream, preferably Blue Bell Moo-llenium Crunch. On very good days, she prefers writing even to ice cream.
Nikki is represented by Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary Agency.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the illustrations. I got lost in the words.

[RageSheep · Rating 2 out of 5]

About being metaphorical lost- and implies a lost toy will find its way to you- and that wild foxes are friendly and make good pets

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Little too esoteric for me.

[Greg S · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pacing was odd and the syntax too.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting watercolor and ink illustrations, using Photoshop to layer and modify them, complement a strange story about what might be found while being lost. A stuffed bunny is accidentally dropped from a fast-moving car. The toy has no idea where it is, but it is befriended by a fox and several other woodland animals, then having quite a great time before its original owner, a young girl, finds it. The story relies on minimal text, colorful full-page and spot artwork featuring forest scenes to encourage readers not to panic if they get lost. There's a magical quality about the book, and it's great to embrace the unexpected, but for those of us of a more practical mindset, the narrative and the very notion of being okay with where you are, especially without a map, can be quite disconcerting. This one didn't speak to me, but fans of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend probably will like it.

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

If You Get Lost is a beautifully illustrated picture book that shows how fear can switch to wonder if you know how and where to look. Written in verse, this book tells the story of a girl who loses her stuffed bunny out the car window. The pages have minimal words and large, bright illustrations. Each page explores a different perspective on how to view the beauty around you. A happy reunion at the end reminds the reader that everything will be ok even if it was scary at first. Recommended for ages 6-10 by the SEPA School Library Book Reviewers.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetically written story tells the story of a stuffed rabbit that finds itself lost in the woods and begins to explore the world around it. It leads to a new adventure and reminds us all that sometimes a set of circumstances we hadn't planned for can lead to new positive experiences. The book is beautifully illustrated by Deborah Marcero which includes maps on the end pages and used as frames for each illustration.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars

In this Velveteen Rabbit-esque adventure, a toy bunny is dropped from a car window and becomes lost from their person. No worries though! Bumpy poetry ensues as a fox and other woodland creatures spring to the rescue. The toy bunny somehow magically comes to life and realizes that being lost can be an adventure! Will children understand all of this? Possibly! The art is loopy and wonderful.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this title on Instagram as an alternate for "Oh the Places you'll Go"
for a graduation gift. It is sweet. Beautiful illustrations. The illustrator - Deborah Marcero - is
the author illustrator of "In a Jar", a sweet book

Yes, one might get lost - there are so many ways and places to get lost.
Find a friend.
I love the line "A poem without words."

Sweet - Yes, I see that it could be a comforting reread in those moments of loss.
Remember too, you can be your own best friend.

[Teresa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this because it is so cute! A bunny gets dropped out of a car and gets lost. At first he was scared but when it looks around it sees the nice things in the forest and makes a friend. And when you get lost you can get found. The pictures in the book are SO beautiful! I think everyone will like this book. (review by Alexander, 3rd Grade)

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect as a metaphor. The literal-minded among us think the adventure, taken at face value, is ridiculous. I don't know if children will understand that 'lost' and 'song without words' (etc.) can apply in their own lives, in their own situations that have similar feels but very little evidently in common with the rabbit's situation.

[Robin Berman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute white stuffed bunny gets lost in the woods. I got this for Deborah Marcero's artwork which I like.
The illustrations were good. The text was poetic and a bit obtuse and strange.
The bunny seemed to come to life and make friends with the happy wildlife mainly a red fox before miraculously being found by the little girl who had lost him.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I might not be giving kids enough credit, but I don't know that the metaphorical "lost" is going to come through here. Also, are 'you' the rabbit, in this story where there are also people? Just a little confusing. Love the illustrations, though.

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 2/2.5

Getting Lost, Camping, Friends

A short, ...poetic (okay really I mean somewhat disjointed and hard to follow), story about how getting lost is scary, but really an opportunity to make new discoveries and friends.

[Victoria Whipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girl loses her stuffy out the car window, but the stuffy manages to stay grounded, make new friends, and eventually loses the "lost" feeling. Lushly illustrated watercolor and ink pictures drawn with soft lines help soften a potentially scary situation.

[Earl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute enough story of a stuffed rabbit that gets lost during a camping trip and has a journey full of unexpected results.

[Kasey Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stop it, I’m tearing up

[Panda Incognito · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pacing is weird and the story is confusing. This one will appeal more to adults than children.

[Valerie Brandt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out great and then the thought went haywire.

[Rachele Nabrotzky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nice pictures, but basically nonsense. Cute if you like poetry I guess.

[Latifah S Ningrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through this book, we are introduced to the fact that when we are lost, we are better able to recognize and be aware of our surroundings. Because when we surrender, good things will happen.