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

"With vivid illustrations bursting with the beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn, this book is a delight. This heartwarming picture book is a story about a father and son and their special traditions. Themes of family, sharing, and the importance of patience are all strong throughout the book. It is a wholesome and enchanting story with simple language that is perfect for younger readers. I found that the full-page illustrations were detailed and striking. These illustrations feature many adorable animals that come to life on the page. WE'RE OFF TO THE FOREST shows that even the smallest pleasures can have big impacts, and make the best memories." —Georgie Bartlett, YA Books Central

"These topics will help read-aloud adults engage the very young in early ideas of conservation and environmental change. The first-person discussions of the young squirrel impart new discoveries about personal responsibility for the environment... even a small segment that the squirrels impact by their choices and actions. 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." —Midwest Book Review - Children's Bookwatch

"There's no explicit lesson or dramatic plot twist, just the quiet enjoyment of two creatures in the woods and the gentle hope for the future. This is a very different style from most American picture books, which tend to have a very specific narrative style, but it's one I find refreshing and peaceful. Verdict: It might take a little while for storytime audiences to adapt to this different style, but it's a lovely book to accompany outdoor expeditions or storytimes about forests, acorns, or the fall season." —Jean Little Library

"This appears to be a simple picture book, but there’s actually quite a lot of depth to the message of community and ecology. The promise of trees to provide for future generations is celebrated in a way that every reader will understand and enjoy. Highly recommended!" —Laura Gardner, Youth Services Book Review

"I found this story to be touching and so sweet, but it was a simple easy to read story. I think that it is great that the writer could show how big a small thing could change so much in a simply written book. I found the pictures to be so pretty and made the story come to life. Great book to read to small kids." —NetGalley-Reviewer

"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 heartwarming father and son squirrel story from one of my favorite children's illustrators, We're Off to the Forest celebrates autumn with a delightful twist at the end!" —Sidetrack Bookshop, 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

"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." —Midwest Book Review-Children's Bookwatch

"I think that it is great that the writer could show how big a small thing could change so much in a simply written book. I found the pictures to be so pretty and made the story come to life. Great book to read to small kids." —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

"Beautiful, beautiful artwork with a conservation message!" —Imagination Soup Blog

"Whenever I get a book by Katarína Macurova in the mail I get excited. Although the story is simply told, it explores big concepts like conservation, planning for the future, community, sacrifice, and family bonds." —Kids Read the World, IG

"A lovely new book for fall honoring patience, conservation, and togetherness. A story as crisp as the autumn air and as simple as a sonnet, with artwork warm and rich and textural, characters timeless and endearing. A wonderful book for all ages. As caregivers we are all tasked with raising a generation of conservationists, having fantastic picture books on hand to use as tools to help guide all of our children toward a healthy planet is a brilliant way to start. A sweet, simple, picturesque book to land in any bedtime stack. Send them to sleep dreaming of growth and trees and life." —Library Must Haves, IG