Willie Takes a Hike

Rand, Gloria

ISBN 10: 0152002723 ISBN 13: 9780152002725

Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books, 1996

Synopsis

Moving to his family's new home in the junkyard, Willie the mouse sets out to explore his new territory and is delighted by the area's exciting new promise, until he has a run-in with a raccoon and a cat.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 2?Willie, a gray mouse, disobeys his parents and breaks the cardinal rule of hiking?never go alone. He sets off to explore the environs of his new home, the junkyard. He encounters a menacing snake, a large raccoon, and a huge cat. He realizes he is lost, panics, and starts to cry?but then he remembers his survival skills and pulls himself together. He stays put and blows his whistle loudly so he can be located. Using the extra equipment in his backpack, he is able to stay warm and dry until he is found the next morning. The message is obvious but it is well integrated into the story; readers will stay involved in the drama. However, Ted Rand's large, beautiful, watercolor and liquid-dye paintings are what will really attract their attention. The artist shows just how fascinating a junkyard can be, full of the discards of civilization?and also wildlife. The small pictures under the text provide an interesting view of Willie's tiny world. Children can enjoy reading this book on their own, but the author's purpose would be better served if an adult discussed it with them.?Virginia Golodetz, St. Michael's College, Winooski, VT
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist:

Ages 6^-8. Like all good hikers, Willie knows what to take on a hiking trip: a sweater, a flashlight, a plastic garbage bag to make into an instant raincoat, a bandanna, a filled canteen, and a whistle. Some cheese and crackers are essential, too--especially if you happen to be a little gray mouse. Willie promises his parents he won't venture far into his new junkyard neighborhood, but curiosity gets the best of him. He is soon lost and in danger. Fortunately, he keeps his cool, blowing his whistle and shining his flashlight until rescuers come. An author's note reiterates the importance of being prepared for a hike--a fine message, but presented here in rather stiff, lengthy text and with a somewhat heavy hand. Despite that, children will still enjoy following the mouse's varied adventures, and Rand's watercolors are splendid. Old tires, pipes, rope, and bits of broken glass teem with wildlife that seems to glow on the pages. Shelley Townsend-Hudson

About this edition

• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0152002723
• ISBN 13: 9780152002725
• Binding: Library Binding
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Rand Ted