Review by Booklist Review
Uyá and Ayats' vibrant tale introduces readers to the guardian of the forest, depicted here as a young girl who looks out not only for the flora and fauna of her realm but also for the human visitors who happen to wander through. Uyá's illustrations brim with love and life, making quite noticeable the stark contrast between the colorful little girl, plants, and animals and the monochromatic people who walk aimlessly by, dejected, uninspired, and unhappy. The little girl helps these visitors by introducing them to the lively beauty of the forest, and soon these "gray" characters are also bathing in the wonders of the natural world. The translated language here is poetic and eloquent, though it will most likely soar over the heads of younger readers. But the intricate, colorful illustrations are sure to keep them enthralled as the forest guardian spreads love and light, welcoming all to her world.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A green-clad child, "the little girl of the forest," presides over a surreal wood populated by pink squirrels: "Submerged deep in the shadows of the trees, I watch the people who walk through my home. I welcome them all with a loving embrace." She greets several gray figures, inviting each to "bathe in the forest": Mr. Grayshadow, who is "full of loneliness"; Mrs. Graystone, who "is frightened... as if a great weight were bearing down upon her soul"; and a nervous little boy, "the youngest of the Graystone family." As each spends time amid the trees, color and contentment return to them. The volume's concluding meditation only partly clarifies what a "forest bath" is--the Japanese practice of walking in the woods to lift the spirits is trending in self-help pop culture--something that may prove confusing for readers. Uyá's illustrations are notable for their mix of delicate, folkloric detail with stylized exaggerations. Ages 4--8. (Mar.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--4--It is easy to lose track of oneself amidst the demands of the world, but luckily, there is someone who can lead the way. The little girl of the forest cares for the plants and animals that reside there, observing the people who venture in and out. Often, these people are lost, appearing gray and lifeless. After bathing in the forest, however, they reemerge with a newfound sense of calm and wellbeing. Father, mother, and son find their way into the embrace of the forest, transforming their drab lives to ones of vibrant color. This story speaks to the importance of forest conservation in both story and presentation; it has received the coveted Cradle to Cradle certification for its ecologically intelligent design. The images travel from endpaper to endpaper, utilizing texture and color to bring the story to life. Poetic text guides readers through the narrative, beautifully translated from its original Spanish. Some pages are entirely devoid of text, speaking volumes through visuals alone. Finally, a list of ideas for engaging with nature is accessible through a hyperlink on the inside back cover. VERDICT This exemplary, environmentally conscious book reminds readers of the importance of outdoor spaces and taking efforts to preserve them.--Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver Public Library
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Readers who are "feeling gray" are encouraged to come into the forest.A rose-cheeked child in green, leaf-patterned clothes and bare feet calls herself "the little girl of the forest," welcoming those who enter her domain. In succession, a man, woman, and boy walk through the forest, all troubled in their own ways. The girl invites each one "to bathe in the forest," and each finds relief in the embrace of nature. It's unclear exactly what a forest "bath" entails until the end of the narrative, when the little girl encourages readers to relax and open their senses to the natural healing experience found in wooded areas. Whether the girl is a forest sprite or human is unclear, though her efforts to share her passion for natural spaces are equally valid with either interpretation. Uy paints a fanciful atmosphere with organic shapes and selective background details. The visitors, all family members, are rendered all in gray shades until they accept the young girl's invitation, then they burst into color. (Their surnames differ slightly: either Grayshadow or Greystone; this inconsistency will plague some young listeners.) The art's various green hues and pops of color must compete with the stark white backgrounds, which do overpower at times. Appended is a link to a downloadable booklet with activities "to immerse yourself in nature," such as doing texture rubbings or following a wandering insect.Ultimately insubstantial, though its heart's in the right place. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
