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Forest Bath Right Down This Path
Join in a forest bathing adventure as a young girl helps her father to leave his cell phone behind and embrace the sights, smells, and sounds of the natural world around him.
On a sticky summer day, when it is too hot to do anything, Kayla suggests a forest bath. Daddy needs a little more convincing, but soon they are heading into the forest.
Kayla takes in the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world around her. Cinnamon fern and bunchberry grow in the shade. The packed dirt under Kayla’s feet is hard and the sunlight through the branches is soft. She breathes a symphony of scents—soil, sedge, and moss—and finds a stream with an icy current. A black-throated green warbler trills in the distance zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee.
As the worries and distractions of the day melt away, Kayla and her father relax and enjoy the pleasure of forest bathing—and of being together.
On a sticky summer day, when it is too hot to do anything, Kayla suggests a forest bath. Daddy needs a little more convincing, but soon they are heading into the forest.
Kayla takes in the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world around her. Cinnamon fern and bunchberry grow in the shade. The packed dirt under Kayla’s feet is hard and the sunlight through the branches is soft. She breathes a symphony of scents—soil, sedge, and moss—and finds a stream with an icy current. A black-throated green warbler trills in the distance zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee.
As the worries and distractions of the day melt away, Kayla and her father relax and enjoy the pleasure of forest bathing—and of being together.
34 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2023
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 24, 2023
Kayla decided to go for a forest bath, a term used for a process of relaxation. This is a pychological and physiological exercise started as 'shinrin-yoku' in Japan.
She tried to convince her father for it but that took her pre-session of pychological exercise of another kind, LOL.
She experienced the nature in her very variant way. Sunlight filtered through the branches of trees, scent of soil and breezing in forest along with icy-current of flowing stream, etc.
This was a good induction on the topic via this picture book and people should often do this exercise to get de-stressed and boost their health.
My NetGalley reviews: https://www.netgalley.com/book/279580...
She tried to convince her father for it but that took her pre-session of pychological exercise of another kind, LOL.
She experienced the nature in her very variant way. Sunlight filtered through the branches of trees, scent of soil and breezing in forest along with icy-current of flowing stream, etc.
This was a good induction on the topic via this picture book and people should often do this exercise to get de-stressed and boost their health.
My NetGalley reviews: https://www.netgalley.com/book/279580...
February 23, 2023
I may not be the target age range for this adorable little book ,but that didn't keep me from enjoying it fully ! In this book the little girl begs her father to "bathe " in the beauty of the forest , but like most people , myself included , he's too busy on his phone to enjoy any of it . If and when I have children this will definitely be a book that I will share with them and other children I know .
I've been interested in the concept of forest bathing for some time now , which is why I actually picked this up in the first place . I fall somewhere in between the tech obsessed father , and the curious little girl in this story . I love nature , the forest , getting lost in the trees , camping all of it , but I tend to fall into the habit of shoving in my earbuds rather then really truly being present in that moment .
Like many of us in early 2020 my life came to a screeching halt , in that time my appreciation for the outdoors doubled . I began birdwatching , and discovered that I'd seen the world around me before , but had I ever really SEEN it . One of my favorite things to do the following winter of 2021 was to go outside on sunny winter days , snuggle myself up into my sleeping bag . Sometimes I read , but others I would just rest and breathe in the fresh icy air , it began to occur to me more and more how much life there was all around me . Though the earth felt dead there was so much alive , so much more beauty and lasting meaning than I would ever find scrolling through social media .
Books like these are essential for our next generation .
Thanks to Netgalley , the publisher , and most especially the author and illiustrator for allowing me to have this ARC ! All opinions are my own .
March 12, 2023
To me this was just an okay book that introduces to young readers the concept of forest bathing if one should believe in such a thing via the narration of the protagonist who is fighting with her wayward parent. Yep just allow that sink in for just a minute....
The reason that I chose to give this story a two star review instead of the one is the opposite usually of the actual story being told. The reader gets to follow the story of the protagonist Kayla before it flips over to a sensory description that provides the reader with what they may hear, feel or see. As such if a reader is wanting to do a forest bathing exercise with their child without reading the while book they could just basically form some concept and activities from these pages or read the additional information in the back.
Otherwise the book is about a parent who is too busy caught up in his cell phone while his precocious daughter is trying to make him detach from the phone and "play" outside. The whole fact of the swap of family roles and the fact that Kayla can be seen manipulating her father although still sugarcoating it so she can get away from it without punishment just blows my mind. And to my poor jaded mind struggling to survive in a world that thinks it's racist more so than ever in history it smells heavily of that Woke mindset since of the fact that the child is clearly biracial while the poor fool of a parent who is more child than his own child is portrayed as a geeky white man who cannot detach from his digital paci.
Others may find this book charming and informative as well as a fun activity for their children when they are outside but I think in my case I will pass on it.
**I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
The reason that I chose to give this story a two star review instead of the one is the opposite usually of the actual story being told. The reader gets to follow the story of the protagonist Kayla before it flips over to a sensory description that provides the reader with what they may hear, feel or see. As such if a reader is wanting to do a forest bathing exercise with their child without reading the while book they could just basically form some concept and activities from these pages or read the additional information in the back.
Otherwise the book is about a parent who is too busy caught up in his cell phone while his precocious daughter is trying to make him detach from the phone and "play" outside. The whole fact of the swap of family roles and the fact that Kayla can be seen manipulating her father although still sugarcoating it so she can get away from it without punishment just blows my mind. And to my poor jaded mind struggling to survive in a world that thinks it's racist more so than ever in history it smells heavily of that Woke mindset since of the fact that the child is clearly biracial while the poor fool of a parent who is more child than his own child is portrayed as a geeky white man who cannot detach from his digital paci.
Others may find this book charming and informative as well as a fun activity for their children when they are outside but I think in my case I will pass on it.
**I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
May 9, 2023
Calmness, serenity and discovery are sure to be found with every step through this read and nature.
Kayla's excited as her father joins her on a picnic, but he can't seem to get his nose away from his cell phone. She finally lures him into a walk into the forest and marvels at the wonderful atmosphere. Little by little and with a tiny trick, maybe Kayla can find a way for them both to see how marvelous the forest is.
While the father will put smirks on the faces as children and reader both identify with his cell phone obsession, this book isn't really centered on this theme and holds more. This book is about the atmosphere and enjoyment a walk through the forest provides. Kayla tugs her father through the trees, making small discoveries along the way. She stops and enjoys. To highlight these pauses and breaths, the author slides in small poems, which meld right along with the story. It's a clever way to bring the atmosphere of 'taking in the surroundings' across.
The illustrations flow as natural as the forest. As Kayla discovers moss, creeks and more, the listeners dive into the world right along with her. There were quite a few bare/dead (?) trees in this forest, which made me stop and wonder, but that's just a stray thought of mine. These will have listeners wanting to take a journey to the great outdoors themselves. At the end of the book, there is also a little information surrounding the theme of 'forest bathing', and yes, seems to be a true term. It's a lovely read, especially now as Spring has awakened and invites outdoors. I received a DRC and enjoyed the walk through the forest quite a bit.
Kayla's excited as her father joins her on a picnic, but he can't seem to get his nose away from his cell phone. She finally lures him into a walk into the forest and marvels at the wonderful atmosphere. Little by little and with a tiny trick, maybe Kayla can find a way for them both to see how marvelous the forest is.
While the father will put smirks on the faces as children and reader both identify with his cell phone obsession, this book isn't really centered on this theme and holds more. This book is about the atmosphere and enjoyment a walk through the forest provides. Kayla tugs her father through the trees, making small discoveries along the way. She stops and enjoys. To highlight these pauses and breaths, the author slides in small poems, which meld right along with the story. It's a clever way to bring the atmosphere of 'taking in the surroundings' across.
The illustrations flow as natural as the forest. As Kayla discovers moss, creeks and more, the listeners dive into the world right along with her. There were quite a few bare/dead (?) trees in this forest, which made me stop and wonder, but that's just a stray thought of mine. These will have listeners wanting to take a journey to the great outdoors themselves. At the end of the book, there is also a little information surrounding the theme of 'forest bathing', and yes, seems to be a true term. It's a lovely read, especially now as Spring has awakened and invites outdoors. I received a DRC and enjoyed the walk through the forest quite a bit.
February 14, 2023
“Stroll here and there. Breathe long and deep. Wander and wonder.” My thanks to NetGalley , Sounds True Publishing, author Lisa Robinson and illustrator Khoa Le for an early arc. Kayla wants to go to the forest with her dad and her stuffed bunny. It took a little convincing for her dad to join her. In the forest she experiences all sorts of sounds and textures and immerses her feet in a stream. She connects with nature and her dad finally surrenders and joins her. This picture book feels like a warm hug. It took me back to the days when I used to play in the little forest at my uncle’s land and the times when I used to go outside to the orchard that was around my house as soon as I wake up. I used to spend hours playing with the soil shaded under the apricot trees. When I look back to those days fond memories emerge and warm my heart. It made me wonder why I stopped walking between the trees and grabbing handfuls of dirt. Well, maybe I should go back to making these strolls with my children now.
January 25, 2023
A dad distracted by technology and his nature=loving daughter, take time in the forest. The little girl asks her father to "forest bathe" with her, meaning to be present in nature without distraction. Although it takes him some time to unplug, he finally understands the beauty of nature that has captivated his daughter.
This book is an excellent reminder to everyone that it is important to take time to connect with nature. Its healing properties and calming effects are vital for humans. The language of the book is enticing to the reader and balances well with content vocabulary. The pictures are well-done and pair with the text. This book is a good fit for preschool or early elementary readers.
This book is an excellent reminder to everyone that it is important to take time to connect with nature. Its healing properties and calming effects are vital for humans. The language of the book is enticing to the reader and balances well with content vocabulary. The pictures are well-done and pair with the text. This book is a good fit for preschool or early elementary readers.
February 8, 2023
A daughter, her stuffed bunny, and her distracted father and his cell phone take a walk that, to the daughter's request, becomes a forest bath--a journey that soaks in their surroundings using all the senses.
There are two narratives that intertwine, that of the actions of the father and child and on the opposite page, a poetic description of what their senses discovered in their surroundings. I enjoy that this book included nature vocabulary words in its poetic segments like sedge, pincushion, lichen, and more. The book also includes a Q&A section about forest bathing and I was happy to hear the author used Maine, my home state, as their inspiration for this story!
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy of this book.
There are two narratives that intertwine, that of the actions of the father and child and on the opposite page, a poetic description of what their senses discovered in their surroundings. I enjoy that this book included nature vocabulary words in its poetic segments like sedge, pincushion, lichen, and more. The book also includes a Q&A section about forest bathing and I was happy to hear the author used Maine, my home state, as their inspiration for this story!
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy of this book.
February 14, 2023
Thank you to Net Galley and Sounds True Publishing for this ARC to review.
This book has beautiful illustrations, a heartfelt story and poems throughout. It teaches us to slow down, put down our electronics and enjoy nature. Forest bathing can be done at any time of year and doesn't cost a thing. It helps us receive a sense of balance in a very fast paced world. I would share this with my Kindergarten class. For the last few months of the year, we have Forest Fridays in our class. We walk to a forested area nearby and explore. Sometimes we have a provocation in mind like, what do you see? Hear? Smell? This book fits into our curriculum and lets us see that not all learning exists inside.
This book has beautiful illustrations, a heartfelt story and poems throughout. It teaches us to slow down, put down our electronics and enjoy nature. Forest bathing can be done at any time of year and doesn't cost a thing. It helps us receive a sense of balance in a very fast paced world. I would share this with my Kindergarten class. For the last few months of the year, we have Forest Fridays in our class. We walk to a forested area nearby and explore. Sometimes we have a provocation in mind like, what do you see? Hear? Smell? This book fits into our curriculum and lets us see that not all learning exists inside.
March 1, 2023
The illustrations are lovely and the book presents forest bathing appropriate to a young audience-- or to beginners of any age.
The presentation of the parent and his interactions with the child left a bad taste in my mouth. The child character knows all about forest bathing and apparently does it frequently with her Mom (no screen time for this character, but she's an idealized person compared to the Dad). Dad is disengaged and uninterested, while the child character is patient, engaged, and informed. Dad is constantly on his phone-- both in illustrations and narration-- on multiple pages. He scoffs and is doubtful of the proposed activity. Parents don't have to be portrayed as perfect, but this was over-the-top.
eARC from NetGalley.
The presentation of the parent and his interactions with the child left a bad taste in my mouth. The child character knows all about forest bathing and apparently does it frequently with her Mom (no screen time for this character, but she's an idealized person compared to the Dad). Dad is disengaged and uninterested, while the child character is patient, engaged, and informed. Dad is constantly on his phone-- both in illustrations and narration-- on multiple pages. He scoffs and is doubtful of the proposed activity. Parents don't have to be portrayed as perfect, but this was over-the-top.
eARC from NetGalley.
May 15, 2023
This has a girl teach her father to take a forest bath – the experience of experiencing a woodland with as many senses as possible, hearing the sussuration and animals, feeling the grit between your toes, touching the bark lit up by dampness and sunlight to produce the distinctive forest aromas. The father is annoyingly stuck on his mobile phone until she gets him to fully join in, and oddly visuals make him a bit of a hipster, therefore someone who ought to know better. But the visuals are fine for this kind of thing, and while the text does verge on a mindfulness lesson once or twice, the more poetic side of things matches well with the simple conversation and instruction between daughter and dad.
May 20, 2023
⭐⭐⭐
Forest Bath Right Down This Path by Lisa Robinson is a beautiful ode to the natural world. On a hot summer day, Kayla suggests she and her father go forest bathing, and with some convincing, they set off into the woods. The story takes readers on a journey through the sights, sounds, and smells of nature as Kayla and her dad immerse themselves in the forest.
The illustrations in this book are beautiful and wonderfully complement the poetic narrative half of Robinson’s writing. However, the other half with the Dad and cellphone just didn't work for me. Despite that minor issue, Forest Bath Right Down This Path is an enjoyable read that inspires readers to take a break from their daily lives and find solace in nature.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
Forest Bath Right Down This Path by Lisa Robinson is a beautiful ode to the natural world. On a hot summer day, Kayla suggests she and her father go forest bathing, and with some convincing, they set off into the woods. The story takes readers on a journey through the sights, sounds, and smells of nature as Kayla and her dad immerse themselves in the forest.
The illustrations in this book are beautiful and wonderfully complement the poetic narrative half of Robinson’s writing. However, the other half with the Dad and cellphone just didn't work for me. Despite that minor issue, Forest Bath Right Down This Path is an enjoyable read that inspires readers to take a break from their daily lives and find solace in nature.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
June 22, 2023
A lovely reminder to slow down and bathe in the natural world around us. I liked how the child slowly convinces her father to slow down, put away the phone, and delight in the small wonders around them.
If I am walking down a sidewalk, in a mall, etc. I walk fast but stick me on a nature path and I meander. I love petting moss, feeling trees, seeking out wildflowers, and more. It's nice to know that this meandering is gaining more recognition and that there are health (and other) benefits to it!
I'd say this book has too much text for most preschoolers and younger but it could work for an elementary or middle school storytime.
If I am walking down a sidewalk, in a mall, etc. I walk fast but stick me on a nature path and I meander. I love petting moss, feeling trees, seeking out wildflowers, and more. It's nice to know that this meandering is gaining more recognition and that there are health (and other) benefits to it!
I'd say this book has too much text for most preschoolers and younger but it could work for an elementary or middle school storytime.
June 15, 2023
In this tender picture book, Kayla teaches her father how to unplug from his phone and plug into nature as she guides him through the process of forest bathing. The story incorporates a narrative along with poetic text as Kayla and her father explore the wonders of a forest walk together. Kayla is a spirited girl and children will enjoy the way she takes the lead. The illustrations are beautiful with engaging characters.
February 3, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It teach us how to unite with the nature of the forest. The trees, the mud, the moss, the log, the air, the streams. I’m proud when Kayla take her father’s phone and teach him to breath and scent the air of the forest.
It teach us how to unite with the nature of the forest. The trees, the mud, the moss, the log, the air, the streams. I’m proud when Kayla take her father’s phone and teach him to breath and scent the air of the forest.
October 22, 2024
Super cute book about dropping technology and all of the stresses in life and just enjoying peace. I like the daughter was almost “parenting” the father by reminding to put the phone down and take in his surroundings.
January 26, 2023
As someone who takes forest baths every chance I get, I loved this picture book, the descriptions and illustrations were wonderfully immersive
thanks to NetGalley
thanks to NetGalley
April 11, 2023
The illustration is gorgeous and the central idea is intriguing, but i wish the plot had been better explored.
December 9, 2023
Lovely, but a little sad too. Makes me wonder how many books are about kids trying to get their parents off their phones?
February 26, 2024
I’m a nature bath enthusiast and this book was okay
March 25, 2024
3.5 stars
May 13, 2023
Forest Bath Right Down This Path is a great kids book about taking time away from technology and just being in nature and staying mindful of what surrounds you.
I'm thankful that I was able to read this ARC through Netgalley, it's one I suggest for kids to read and then head outside to your park.
I'm thankful that I was able to read this ARC through Netgalley, it's one I suggest for kids to read and then head outside to your park.
April 15, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
The story follows Kayla and her Dad as they take a walk in a forest. Kayla tries to get her father to engage in forest bathing activities instead of paying attention to his phone.
The illustrations and Kayla's story were great, however, the storyline about her father was not needed. It took away from the main idea and felt like the book was trying to be two different books.
The story follows Kayla and her Dad as they take a walk in a forest. Kayla tries to get her father to engage in forest bathing activities instead of paying attention to his phone.
The illustrations and Kayla's story were great, however, the storyline about her father was not needed. It took away from the main idea and felt like the book was trying to be two different books.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews