Hike

A father and child build lasting memories together on a trip to the wilderness in this picture book, appealing to nature lovers of all ages. The duo cheerfully travels up a mountainside, enjoying the calming watercolor scenery around them, and taking note of the feathers and footprints they find along the way. A lone moment of suspense arrives when the child must cross a log over a roaring river, but with the support of their father, they arrive safely to the other side. The story comes to a literal climax at the top of the mountain, where the pair plants a tree, a long-held tradition that eagle-eyes will recognize from a family album shown at the end of the book. In his first solo outing as both author and illustrator, Oswald proves to be an adept storyteller, creating a tale that speaks to the beauty of a loving family and the power of the natural world without employing a single written word. He is also clever in his choice of protagonists. Characters of color are underrepresented in children's publishing, so it is refreshing not only to see them in this title, but also to watch them engage in outdoor recreation, a true rarity in children's fiction. Additionally, the child is illustrated without any obvious visual gender markers, making this character relatable to every reader. Elementary schools and libraries serving preschool children and families should consider this title for their collections.