The author encourages its young readers to explore their neighborhood. Survivorman takes the readers on twelve journeys across the world with extreme situations. It makes his journeys exciting yet each skills without knowing it’s a lesson. The sidebars are interesting and add enjoyment for the reader. The book teaches the reader to prepare, observe, react and adapt. It’s packed with complete quests and near misses. There is practical advice. The illustrations are great! I think it will inspire the readers to do the projects. I think that I will be doing some of these projects myself.

I have littles who love the idea of surviving the wild. This serves as an interactive guide to assist in research and learning more about ways to survive all kinds of scenarios and environments. I love the images and scenarios provided. It is written at a level that my elementary and middle schoolers can grasp and appreciate. Calling on skills such as preparing, observing, and knowing how to think and act, make this an excellent resource for kids. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

A beautiful collection of thoughtfully curated tips, tricks, and stories by none other than everyone’s favourite Survivorman, Les Stroud. A fun read for all ages, this book takes you on a journey far and wide throughout some of Stroud’s wildest journeys. Every page is thoroughly engaging, from the stories themselves to the drawings and photographs that accompany them. I would recommend this to anyone, young or old — survival tips are for everyone!

For the sake of honesty, this is not my normal genre or type of book. I’m a science-fiction lover, someone who loves delving into a nice fantasy land or delve into an intense thriller. I can enjoy YA at times, but Children’s books and Non-Fiction books are two I don’t normally grab. However, I have admired Les Stroud himself since I was a child, so I just couldn’t resist picking this one up.

My expectations were thoroughly exceeded. I expected a cute little picture book with maybe some beginners survival tips, but this was so much more. The actual stories of his survival trips, going over things he did right and wrong, how he learned from his mistakes and the things he does and doesn’t recommend — it was all fantastic. The illustrations were much better than I expected as well, and the genuine photographs were a really nice touch. Even as an adult I enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to anybody of any age, if they had any interest in Les Stroud, survival, nature, camping, the outdoors, etc.

I have a young nephew who I hope will one day grow up to love the great outdoors as much as I do, and I think this will definitely be a book worth purchasing for him when he’s old enough to read it.

All in all, it was incredibly engaging and informative, and beautifully presented.

Review to come April 6th to blog/Goodreads/etc..

I received this book from Netgalley/publisher in exchange of an honest review.

I always love books about survival, about stories from people who do that stuff for work or fun. I have have never heard about Survivorman, but I was more than curious to find out about the guy. Sure, survivalling isn't really a big thing here in my country. I mean, if you get lost that would be magical. And if you get stuck at night? There is bound to be a house somewhere not too far. Haha. Believe me, I have walked in places and you would have no houses for a tiny bit, but then boom houses (or house).No dangerous animals in our country (well maybe the wolves they re-introduced). No mountains, just a couple of big hills. Plus, we cannot camp anywhere just like that, that is forbidden by law. So I was a bit laughing at the start when he listed all sorts of items you should have with you, way over the top for my boring little country. But I was more than eager to imagine all the adventures I could have. That is also why I often read and watch these kind of shows. Because I wouldn't mind a big adventure that requires knowledge of survival.

This book doesn't just list how to survive outside if you live in a country were that is necessary or gives tips and hints on adventures, but also tells about Survivorman and his show. About what he experienced (so many wild adventures from snowy Norway to snails in bushes and competitions), about what he learned (no sweating and stay calm/observe), what went wrong and what he should have done better. These adventures were written in an interesting way, though I also felt it was at times chaotic because there were constantly bits in between the stories and I think things would just have worked a bit better if it was story time first and then the rest after. I also love the added illustrations and photography to make the stories really come to life.

There are fun things to try at home. I would definitely like to try a few when I have the materials. For instance the rain gauge! That sounds fun! I had a bit of a laugh at the Try this at home featuring leaves, um, I would have to collect a whole street (or maybe more) worth of leaves if I want to bury myself (166 cm) in leaves up to my shoulder. Haha. The most leaves I get from my garden (front/back) comes up to my feet/ankles. I can already see me pass by neighbours, "hello, do you have some leaves to donate?" :P .

The book is split up in different parts. We start with preparing, go to observing, then go to reacting and lastly adapting. I liked that the book was split up in parts and had appropriate tips for that specific part. From how to observe to how to be prepared.

I learned quite some new tricks and tips that I will probably never use. Haha. But still fun to learn, now hoping I will remember them.

Oh, there was just one story that I skipped in this entire book and that was the grub one. NOPE NOPE NOPE. F nope.

All in all, I had a fun time reading this book! Definitely made me happy and reminded me that I need to check if Freek Vonk has a new book out.

This is an excellent book for children or anyone interested in the outdoors or survival techniques. It is written in a way that is entertaining and easy for kids of any age to understand without having a condescending tone. The photos and illustrations that accompany the stories are outstanding. My family enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors and both of my kids absolutely loved this book. They are excited to try some of the activities that were included and are already planning our next camping trip.

My thanks to NetGalley and Annick Press for an advanced copy of this book.

Les Stroud, of the television show Survivorman, has written his first book for younger readers, Wild Outside. This book is the perfect introduction for not only nature and the outdoors and how to be safe, but to problem solving and dealing with adversity in general. Mr. Stroud in each chapter places himself in a real situation he found himself in, either fauna, survival or even trying new foods such as yummy grubs. The writing is appropriate for kids, he neither speaks down or makes assumptions about the reader, but keeps everything plain and easily explainable, which is nice. There are also science crafts, outdoor lore and a list of other books if the interest continues. A great gift for burgeoning outdoors enthusiasts. As a child I would have read this book over and over, and as an adult I might again.