The Not-So-Faraway Adventure

by Andrew Larsen, Irene Luxbacher

Overview

It’s almost Poppa’s birthday and young Theo wants to give her beloved grandfather the perfect gift. Poppa has traveled the world and keeps a trunk full of mementos collected on his adventures. That gives Theo an idea for a very special gift: a new adventure! They’ll take the streetcar to the local beach, sink their toes in the sand, skip stones and stop for lunch at the beachside café. Together, Poppa and Theo plan their trip and sketch a map of the route they will take. That special map, and the memories and keepsakes of the day, will join the other cherished mementos in Poppa’s trunk. At the heart of this story is a charming family bond. Rich storytelling captures the magic of turning a simple outing into an adventure. And spirited illustrations will keep readers engaged, inspiring them to create their own adventures --- and memories.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781771387057
Publisher:	Kids Can Press
Publication date:	04/01/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	41 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Andrew Larsen is the author of The Imaginary Garden and Bella and the Bunny. He is a stay-at-home father who finds time to write between laundry and lunch. He lives in Toronto, Canada.

Irene Luxbacher is an artist and the author-illustrator of The Jumbo Book of Art, The Jumbo Book of Outdoor Art, the Starting Art series and Mattoo, Let's Play! She also illustrated The Imaginary Garden for Kids Can Press. She lives in Toronto.

Editorial Reviews

This is a sweet and visually appealing story about a girl and her love for her grandfather.—School Library Journal

This quiet, sweet story is a gift for all ...—Kirkus Reviews - Starred Review

From the Publisher

★ 2016-02-02
Theo, the warmhearted heroine from The Imaginary Garden (2009), creates an unforgettable adventure for her beloved Poppa's birthday. Theo's Poppa keeps his travel mementos in an old trunk. Through these items, Larsen tells the story of the man—where he's been, whom he loves, what he values—which must be why Theo pores over each picture, map, and trinket. They speak of excitement and adventure, and they make Theo want to be an explorer too. As Poppa's birthday nears, she ponders over the perfect present. When Poppa recalls a special meal by the ocean with Nana, Theo realizes what to get him: a trip together! With a hand-drawn map for a guide, they ride the streetcar toward the sand. There, they skip stones, walk barefoot, and find the best gazpacho. At home, Theo adds tokens from the day to Poppa's memory trunk, knowing their outing made his birthday wish come true. Theo and Poppa are white, and they traverse a vibrant, multicultural city on their adventure. Luxbacher's choice to use digital collage ties into the narrative, as found cloth, paper, and photographs become part of a larger story. But it's Larsen's compassionate text that makes this intergenerational story soar, simple, declarative sentences evoking the sincerity of Theo's excitement. This quiet, sweet story is a gift for all—explorers, grandchildren, parents—any who celebrate the gift of discovering the world together. (Picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews