Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stunning, artful, emotional take on loss and healing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A grieving son finds a treasure map from his recently departed father, and is prompted to take A WALK IN THE WOODS to see what's waiting for him there. The boy is hesitant to go because the woods was his special place with his Dad, so he fears it won't be the same without him. As he follows the map, he sees lots of forest animals along the route. He appreciates their presence and find calmness in the nature surrounding him. X marks the spot a brick fireplace, that once belonged to a house that's no longer there. The young boy reaches into the fireplace and finds a box left by his father. In it, he discovers beautiful poems and portraits of wildlife from the woods, with blank pages left for him to continue his own story. The boy has a flurry of emotions as he goes home, after taking the journey his father knew he would need to begin the process of healing.
Is It Any Good?
This is a truly touching book that serves as a wonderful tribute to Jerry Pinkney's work and legacy. Sadly, A Walk in the Woods was published after his death in 2021. But much to the author's surprise, the highly respected artist had already created the story's light sketches before his passing. The book contains a mesmerizing collaboration of art from Jerry and his son, Brian Pinkey. He was able to "carry the paintbrush forward" for his father, much like the main character in the story.
A Walk in the Woods is evocative for readers based solely on the moving narrative and art, but knowing its creation process was a form of healing and mourning for it's author and illustrator deepens the experience. The book also stands out for it's portrayal of a Black character spending time in nature and appreciating it's unique qualities and inhabitants. It's a stunning book that reminds us of the importance of staying close to the loved ones we've lost, of connecting with nature as a way of processing emotions, and of letting hope and joy in even when sadness overwhelms.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how A Walk in the Woods includes four poems about animals, within the story. Which one is your favorite? Why?
The main character asks, "can you smile and cry at the same time?" What do you think the answer is? Have you ever felt lots of different emotions at the same time?
The illustrations in this book are beautiful, they're a blend of sketches and watercolors. Which page is your favorite?
By the end of the story, the boy is less sad and feels grateful for the treasure his dad left him, and the walk he had to go on to find it. Why does this make him feel better? What makes you feel gratitude?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrators : Jerry Pinkney , Brian Pinkney
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : STEM
- Character Strengths : Gratitude
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Neal Porter Books
- Publication date : September 12, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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