The Grand Expedition

"There are those (like me) who feel that 'camping out' in the backyard is a high point of childhood adventure, and this adorable book from Sweden confirms it. Two small siblings inform their dad of their plans, and after gathering their supplies they pitch a tent and hunker down. No, they don't make it through the whole night out there, but does that even matter? With winsome mixed-media illustrations that capture all the most telling details, and a fine-tuned ear for the way kids think and talk, Adbage understands the fun that can be found in a child's everyday reality." —Maria Russo, The New York Times "There is something entirely lovely about this quiet book. Any child who has camped in the backyard will see themselves here. From the little drama of the ant in the book to the pickles to the need to suddenly return home, each element is so clear, so child centered, so realistic. The strong relationship the children have with their father is another highlight of the book. The illustrations have a supporting quiet simplicity to them and yet the busyness and clutter that also accompanies childhood." —Tasha Saecker, Waking Brain Cells "This ode to exploration encourages youngsters to think big; sometimes the most fun is in the preparation."—Kirkus Reviews "A Swedish import that’s ideal to be shared in a seasonal family storytime or as summer bedtime fare."—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY, School Library Journal "a funny, delightful book with unforgettable drawings, especially the expressive looks in the boys' eyes." —The Vermont Country Sampler ”In The Grand Expedition the most quintessential elements of childhood are pedagogically represented with flourishing imagination, natural world exploration and the quiet presence of a nonjudgmental parent watching over yet never interfering. In an over scheduled and over media drenched world, this book reminds us of the heart of genuine childhood.” —Jesica Sweedler DeHart, The Wandering Bookseller