Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (Nature) [Hardcover]

Carl R., II Sams (Author), Jean Stoick (Author), Carl R. Sams II (Photographer)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Nature

Years after it was published, Stranger in the Woods remains a bestseller, with more than one-million copies in print and repeated appearances on the bestseller lists. Winner of numerous awards; including the 2001 International Reading Association's highest honour, this charming tale uses wildlife photography to tell the story of animals' reactions to a snowman who appears in the woods after a winter storm.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Carl and Jean's camera lens opens up the heart of childhood and the soul of wildlife in this touching, joyous, unforgettable modern fable that children of all ages will love and share." (Detroit Free Press)

About the Author

CARL R. SAMS II and JEAN STOICK are professional wildlife photographers, whose work has appeared in national and international publications, including Audubon, BBC Wildlife, National Geographic, National Wildlife and Nature's Best. Their best-selling book Stranger in the Woods was the winner of six awards, including the 2000 Benjamin Franklin Award and the 2001 International Reading Association Award. They live in Milford, Michigan.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Carl R. Sams II Photography; 1 edition (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967174805
• ISBN-13: 978-0967174808
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 9.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (67 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,210 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #45 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting and Beautiful, December 25, 2000

By 

Sum1 (Rochester, Michigan USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (Nature) (Hardcover)

The husband and wife team of Carl R Sams and Jean Stoick were at a winter Ann Arbor art fair. They are PHOTOGRAPHERS. The fact that they wrote a story to go with some of their photos is just a bonus. Their wildlife photography is just lovely, and has a unique charm and, often, humor. I purchased a large framed photo as a gift for my wildlife loving brother, when I noticed the books being sold in addition to the portraits. Seeing this as a cheaper way to own more photographs, and as a lovely way to show my three year old twins pictures of real animals (as opposed to animated or drawn ones) I bought it and gave it to them for Christmas. They love it. The story is well done. Especially considering the couple are not primarily authors. But it is really the pictures which are enthralling. My children are fascinated by the animals. I am very impressed overall, and am grateful the authors found a medium with which to show their photos to a wider audience.

49 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant! Gorgeous! A must for every household!, October 25, 2001

By 

"richard_fuller" (Grand Rapids, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (Nature) (Hardcover)

Noted wildlife photographers and authors Carl Sams and his wife, Jean Stoick have combined their talents to offer a wonderful children's book that sets a new and higher standard for all children's books to follow.

Instead of the typical cartoon characters, Stranger in the Woods displays actual photographs and heartfelt words that offer an enlightening message on two levels. The photography is awesome...they set up their camera in a clearing of the woods near a snowman. The snowman was complete with hat, gloves and a carrot nose.

The bluejays, owls, chickadees, squirrels, porcupines, rabbits, field mice, cardinals...and, yes, children are all captured on film...checking out this marvelous snowman. But the most endearing creatures are the deer, who came to investigate, and eat the carrot nose.

The photos and text teach appreciation of nature and integrity of all beings. Most of all, Stranger in the Woods instills and encourages a message of love and compassion for our children to learn early in life. It is no wonder that Stranger in the Woods won the prestigious Ben Franklin Award as the best children's picture book of 2000.

In this reviewer's opinion, Stranger in the Woods should be read by adults as well. You see, Carl Sams and Jean Stoick deliver the message that there is more to living than greed and power. And that is, we share our planet with others, and the others don't always walk on two feet!

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stranger in the Woods, June 9, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (Nature) (Hardcover)

"Stranger in the Woods" is a great book. It has wonderful pictures and a funny story about animals that find a stranger in the woods who is a snowman. There are two children who build the snowman and put out food for the animals including a carrot nose on the snowman and bird seed. The animals think that the snowman is a nice stranger. The authors, who are photographers, take pictures of the animals as they get closer to the stranger. My mom, a native Michigander, bought me this book because it reminded her of home. She also bought one for my elementary school in Georgia. The pictures are taken in Michigan. I think any one who loves wildlife will love this book!!!