School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Climbing to the top of any mountain is an exhilarating experience. In addition to the magnificent view, there's a wonderful sense of accomplishment and deep connection with nature. In this picture book, Anne Rockwell collaborates with her daughter, Lizzy Rockwell, to share the story of a young child's experience of hiking a mountain near her home, called Hickory Hill, with her parents. Rockwell begins by showing the supplies needed for the hike, but the story enters a gentle rhythm once the characters enter the woods: "The minute we step onto the trail, we are surrounded by tall trees. We can't see the sky. All we can see is ground covered with leaves and ferns." The family is immersed in nature, and they see a variety of animals as they walk toward the summit, including a toad, a porcupine, a chipmunk, a woodpecker, and a deer. The girl is particularly delighted to discover that the "friendly fat toad" has reached the summit along with her family. The illustrations are detailed and precise, and they show nature in its most vibrant colors. As the author of nearly 200 books for children, Anne Rockwell knows how to create a narrative that is engaging, soothing, and informative-just right for inquisitive young readers. VERDICT This calm and gentle narrative will encourage young children to step outside into nature and climb a few hills.-Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, CA © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
One morning, a girl looks out her bedroom window at Hickory Hill, which seems like a mountain to her. Later, she and her parents prepare for a hike, drive to the hill, and study a large map before choosing their trail. As they follow the forest path, they stop to notice a toad, a chipmunk, a porcupine, and a woodpecker as well as trail marks painted on a few trees. The girl spies a deer, which quickly leaps away. The trees gradually thin as the family nears the summit, where they sit and look out over the countryside. Like the previous volumes in the Rockwells' My First Experience Book series, Library Day (2017) and Zoo Day (2016), this picture book introduces an activity new to many young children and shows what it might be like for them. In the simply written, first-person text, the girl observes what's happening and comments on what she sees. The illustrations, clearly delineated drawings with watercolor washes, contribute to the book's upbeat tone. A straightforward, appealing introduction to hiking.--Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2018 Booklist
