We're Off to the Forest

Selected for The Children’s Book Council’s September 2024 “Hot Off The Press” Reading List

"You can always tell an import from its squirrels. I recently learned that the red squirrel, so beloved of European children’s books, has been threatened in the past by the invading ??? squirrels so commonly found in America. You won’t learn anything about that in this particular book, of course. I just think it’s kind of a neat fact. In this story, a squirrel son and dad try to find a favorite acorn that they buried. And along the way you get a peek into the interconnectedness of forest ecosystems. So that’s neat." —Betsy Bird, School Library Journal

"Amidst the rustling leaves and chilling air, a heartwarming story emerges, revealing the extraordinary in the ordinary and how even the smallest things can weave magic into the vast world. Critique: "We're Off to the Forest" is a heartwarming addition to storyteller and artist Katarina Macurova's 'Small Wonders' picture book series, and enchantingly enhanced by artist/illustrator Katarina Macurova. This hardcover edition from Albatros Media is a fun and original story tht includes valuable lessons for young minds, all while making it a delightful exploration of nature's wonders for small children. Simply stated, "We're Off to the Forest" is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community/public library picture book collectoins for children ages 3-6." —Midwest Book Review - Children's Bookwatch

"Beautiful illustrations and wonderful story about the cycle of life in the forest." —Lindsay G., NetGalley-Reviewer

"This was a very cute and interesting story that held the attention of my littles. The illustrations were bright and entertaining. They stayed on track with the story and helped little minds grasp the concepts." —Ray Layne, NetGalley-Reviewer

"This book had amazing illustrations & showed all of the ways that the squirrels were interacting with the forest by gathering acorns & interacting with other animals. I felt like this one was really special and loved that it had a message about doing small good deeds that could become big good deeds with a little patience." —Ande Davidson, NetGalley-Reviewer

"This is a cute book to help explain the life cycle of oak trees to kids." —Destiny L., NetGalley-Educator

"I loved the illustrations! They were so detailed and colorful. The story was sweet and teaches young children that planting an acorn can form an Oak tree." —Callie F., NetGalley-Reviewer

"This was a cute book about a daddy squirrel and his son taking a fall walk through the forest looking at their hidden acorn. Adorable illustrations of all the different animals in the forest. The book teaches children about the importance of taking care of nature, and that even the tiniest little acorn can grow to a big oak tree!" —NetGalley-Librarian

"This is a wonderful story for younger children. The author uses simple text to show the process of growing an oak tree from an acorn. This book would generate great discussion about patience and caring for the environment in younger children. The pictures are gorgeous. They are intricate and detailed. I appreciated the illustrator’s attention to detail; they drew specific plants found in the forest, not just generic trees." —NetGalley-Reviewer

"Oh, this is sweet. A charming tale of community, sustainability, and acorns for the littlest in our lives." —Oblong Books, Bookseller

"A sweet story of a father and son who share planting an acorn and watching it grow to help replenish the trees that are needed for woodland animals to survive." —Octavia Books LLC, Bookseller

"A simple story about caring for nature and the importance of forests and ecological systems for young readers, with very pretty illustrations." —Shonatiger, blogger

"A squirrel and his son visit the forest daily in an endeavor which involves acorns, a shared interest in buried treasure, and an ecological observation of forest changes. These topics will help read-aloud adults engage the very young in early ideas of conservation and environmental change. This appealing story and its colorful pages of a parent and child’s shared interests and involvements is especially highly recommended for adults seeking to spark beginning discussions about conservation and personal responsibility. Within this bigger picture is a gentle story of a father/son experience that will delight those seeking uplifting, supportive stories of family connections, making We’re Off to the Forest a winning choice on many different levels." —Donovan's Literary Service

"What a sweet book! We're Off to the Forest features a daddy and kid squirrel who love acorns and plant an acorn and nurture it. I loved the nature themes, the emphasis on stewardship, and the beautiful illustrations. Definitely a book I'd read to my toddler." —Zoe Kaylor, Goodreads/NetGalley-Reviewer

"In this cozy autumn story, a daddy squirrel and his kid take a walk through the forest. As they walk through picturesque autumn scenes, we’re introduced to all the forest creatures and the importance the small acorn plays in all of their lives. Swipe to the end to see the special place this squirrel duo has “hidden” their acorn in this simple story about caring for nature." —Lil Reader that Could, IG

"It might seem a simple concept at first read but there is so much more depth to this book. You can see throughout this book the subtle message about community, togetherness and the need to plan ahead for the future. With its sweet message and beautiful, detailed illustration this book truly is a PERFECT fall cozy read!" —Boodlebug Books, IG