Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Scout and her older brother--a self-proclaimed "nearly professional local guide"--are heading to the final campsite of their four-day backpacking trip when Big Brother announces they're lost. After reading the map upside down, leading them down an unmarked trail, losing his GPS and cell phone, and running off, literally pursued by a bear, Big Brother leaves Scout alone in the woods. With only half the duo's supplies and a compass for guidance, coolheaded and methodical Scout must focus on finding water, shelter, and food, all while signaling for help. Scout's situation isn't all doom-and-gloom, however: an irreverent talking skunk offers comic relief, and informative, brightly colored flowcharts break down each of her priorities and how best to approach them, modeling critical problem solving and survival skills. Structuring Scout's adventure as an in-depth wilderness guide, Eaton (the Truth About Your Favorite Animals series) uses crisp-lined, digitally colored pen and ink cartooning to present easily digestible information about venturing into the great outdoors, including how to build a sturdy lean-to shelter, catch and gut a fish, and navigate by compass and topographic map. It's a thoroughly enjoyable wilderness-themed geek-out, even for readers who never explore beyond their backyard. Scout and Big Brother read as white. Ages 8--12. (May)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3--5--Scout and her "nearly professional local guide" older brother are on a backpacking trip in the mountains when it becomes apparent that her brother has no idea what he is doing: after reading the map upside down and losing his GPS and cell phone, he abandons Scout, chased off by a bear. Luckily, Scout knows exactly what to do in this graphic novel guide to the wilderness: she takes stock of her supplies, figures out how to find water and food, and creates a shelter, all while also signaling for help. Callout sections on wilderness safety help reinforce safety measures, and Eaton builds lessons into the story, including reading a topographic map, collecting rainwater, and choosing a location and materials for a shelter. Cartoonlike artwork and an amusing narrative keep things light and readable while imparting helpful lessons. VERDICT An enjoyable read for backyard explorers and wilderness fans alike, this is a great first purchase for graphic novel collections.--Rosemary Kiladitis
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Review by Horn Book Review
This humorous and informative comic-format guide showcases all things survival in the great outdoors. After getting lost while hiking and later abandoned by her exaggeratedly incompetent grown-up brother (he gets chased away by a bear), protagonist Scout is left alone in the wilderness. She has no communication devices and only half of the gear she needs, but she is determined to pull through. Straightforward narration documents Scout's planning and behavior as she tends to her most immediate priorities of shelter, signals, water, and food. As she confronts each challenge (how to light a fire, use a compass, etc.), readers gain access to her decision-making processes and her persistence and problem-solving skills when tasks don't immediately go as planned. Each survival scenario is presented with tension, but none verges on scary or stressful. A silly cast of talking critters (especially a friendly skunk) lightens the tone, offering clarifications and lots of laugh-out-loud jokes. The thick-lined, brightly colored illustrations are jam-packed with diagrams, labels, and other instructions akin to what one would see in a survival handbook; a variety of layouts and visual perspectives allows for readers to focus on the facts and soak in the beauty of the setting. An appendix includes information on knot-tying, Morse code, first aid, bear safety, skunk scent remedies, and going to the bathroom; resources for further reading; and an author's note. (c) Copyright 2024. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Scout is hiking in the mountains when her hapless older brother loses their way on the trail. After he runs off, Scout is left to fend for herself and figure out how to make her way back to civilization. She must make a series of choices, including where and how to set up camp, how to make her water drinkable, how to preserve her food supplies, and how to stay safe from numerous dangers. In each scenario, Scout breaks down her options with the help of a friendly talking skunk and decides on an answer for her predicaments. Competent and clearheaded Scout's problem-solving is instructive both because of the breadth of information found here and because of Eaton's methodical approach. This is more of a how-to than a narrative, and readers will learn not only camping and survival skills, but also how to calmly cope with a difficult situation. Comics prove a good medium to relay these skills to their intended audience. Colorful, energetic, cartoon illustrations rotating among wilderness panoramas, close-ups of Scout's gear and tools, and more character-focused images with frequent humorous asides help convey both the basics and plenty of expert-level information like how to use a signal mirror, read a topographic map, or make a fire bow. Scout and her family present White. An enlightening guide for aspiring adventurers. (appendix, further reading, author's note) (Graphic fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
