Forest Child (Aladdin Picture Books) [Paperback]

Marni McGee (Author), A. Scott Banfill (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1999 | Series: Aladdin Picture Books

A little boy is lost in the woods, and all the animals of the forest will see him safely home.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-The forest is a frightening place for a lost boy, full of "dark, unblinking eyes" and growling sounds, but when he rescues a rabbit from a steel trap the creatures welcome him and feed, shelter, and comfort him through the night, even sending a dove to tell his loved ones that he is safe. Banfill's full-page, bordered paintings are richly detailed and superrealistic-they bring the textures of leaves, fur, and feathers to life. The forest, at first so scary, becomes a peaceable kingdom where boy, bears, wolves, owls, and gentler beasts gather in harmony under green and shady trees. Half fantasy, half didactic lesson on being kind to animals, McGee's story fails to convince. It is neither a child's imaginative game, like Marie Hall Ets's charming In the Forest (Puffin, 1976), nor a child's realistic exploration of nature, as is Rosemary Wells's poetic and pictorial description of God's world in Forest of Dreams (Dial, 1988). This book offers impressive illustrations but leaves a confusing message as to whether nature is soft as a bunny or savage as a sharp-beaked owl.
Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

When a boy wanders into the woods and gets lost, the animals are hostile and suspicious at first, ``mumbling, grumbling, growling low.'' But after he frees a rabbit from a hunting trap, the animals see that he can be trusted and they take care of him as though he were one of them. They bathe him, feed him, play with him, send a message to his mother that he is safe, make his bed for him, and watch over him while he sleeps. Though the story is a traditional one (making friends with the animals), McGee tells it with unusual gentleness. Banfill's beautiful illustrations (e.g., the boy reflected in the wary eyes of an owl comes to mind) enhance the magical quality of this special book. A perfect bedtime story. (Picture book. 3-7) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689825781
• ISBN-13: 978-0689825781
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #149,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read Bedtime Story with a permanent bookshelf space, November 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Forest Child (Hardcover)

This book has become one of my 7-year old daughter's favorites, and I never tire of reading it to her, as I was the one who was initially captivated by the enchanting story line and possibly some of the most beautiful illustrations I have ever seen in any book. Its theme is gentle and sweet (albeit very idealistic; I wish every youngster who wandered into the woods alone could encounter such a happy ending); your child will find something new in the incredible illustrations with every reading for a long time!A knockout and must-read!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intellectually provocative for young minds, March 31, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Forest Child (Hardcover)

This book became my son's bed-time favorite because of the subtle interaction between text and illustration which provoked interesting questions and discussion about animals, child rearing, social relations, environment, agency, etc. --- so much so, that after having outgrown it, he reserves a special place for it on his bookshelves.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, November 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Forest Child (Hardcover)

This sweet and gentle story is told gracefully and lushly illustrated. Our 5-year-old loved it, and we loved reading it to her.