Into the Wild Book

Imagination goes a long way when four friends play together — even when they stay close to home — in a fresh, enticing story for preschoolers.

Gracie is packing her knapsack. She’s going away into the wild, she tells Little Nye, Nella, and Lester — and she’s not sure whether her friends have what it takes to come along. Are they brave enough to climb mountains and camp outside in the dark? Can they sit very still and wait for fish to bite? Are they truly prepared to explore . . . the wild patch at the end of the backyard garden?

Children's Literature

Little Nye lives with his friends Nella, Gracie, and Lester in a small house surrounded by trees and flowers with a big garden in the back. Three of the young animals are enjoying a warm day in the front yard digging in the soft dirt. Gracie is off to the side packing a knapsack which arouses the others' curiosity. Gracie explains that she is preparing for a trek into the wild. When the others ask to go along, Gracie warns them of the dangers. She will be climbing mountains where grizzlies might appear, camping out all night in the dark, and fishing which requires sitting still for a long time. The friends assure Gracie that they are brave and she agrees to let them follow her. They proceed to the wild space at the back of the yard where they find sun patches and bluebells and butterflies. No grizzles this time, but you never know what to expect when you go into the wild. The colorful characters and important objects appear on white backgrounds. A fun choice for story time. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.