I wanted to love this book, but I felt like it had fallen short for me. I LOVED the illustrations, that's what initially drew me to the book. The vivid colors and pictures portrayed the BWCA wonderfully! And a Minnesotian like myself is always looking to expand our libraries with books about activities right here in our state.

I loved the idea that there are some things worth venturing out for, and in order to see true beauty in the outdoors (like the northern lights), we need to be far, far away.

The part I didn't love was how negative Rowan seemed of the whole adventure, and his mother's didn't seem to help him see the bright side of every part. All the 'icks' and 'ewws' would have made great teaching moments for both Rowan and the readers who don't venture out camping.

Overall, I'd give this one a 3.5/5
Thank you @netgallery, Molly Beth Griffin, Bao Luu & CharlesBridge for the eARC copy for my honest review.

“Are we there, yet?” Now I, too, long to backpack far, far away.

Our family loves scouting, so Rowan’s story, his joy and struggles on a canoe camping trip, made me knowingly smile. This story is terrifically told, real and well illustrated. Camping is hard work and it is also so rewarding.

Thanks to NetGalley for sharing this DRC with me for an honest review.

Lovely illustrations and writing! This was bright and fun and very entertaining. I could see this being a great addition to a library collection. I would personally use this in a storytime centered on camping and the outdoors. I loved the mention of how far, far away they were from screens to keep them entertained. We are so dependent on technology now for entertainment that it's a nice reminder to step away and spend time with loved ones in the outdoors every once and a while. I also loved the inclusivity with the addition of two moms - it's a simple way to be inclusive that will really resonate with a lot. Overall a very solid book!

This is a realistic picture book about what it's like to go canoe camping. It's a lot of work, and you need to know how to do a lot of different things. But it's worth it! This family works together to accomplish their tasks, enjoying nature and appreciating that they can't get this kind of wonderful experience in the city. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

An inclusive story that really focuses on the camping experience and the sense of how small we really are in this big world. Children and their families will relate to some of the challenges Rowan and his moms faced but they will also see their moments of joy reflected back at them. The most interesting part was learning that this hike and camping trip are part of a national park experience that the author was revisiting. It was so cool to learn about hiking with a canoe and not having access to a car.

What an enchanting tale that captures the hearts of young readers! From the moment you open the book, you’re transported into a world. The illustrations are absolutely stunning, bursting with color and detail that complement the story beautifully. The storytelling is engaging and age-appropriate, with just the right balance of excitement and heart. Young readers will love following along.

Rowan goes with his mom’s on a kayaking and camping trip. He realizes that it’s hard work going camping and doesn’t like it. He ‘s had enough and wants to go home. Until his mom’s show him the stars and northern lights which he can’t see at home in the city. That helps to change his attitude and enjoy the trip more. A cute book for kids that like adventure.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

I liked the illustrations of this picture book, but the story is quite dumb. While camping, the family discusses why it is better to be in the nature than at home. Instead of enjoying the outdoors, they are continuously talking about their comfortable city life back home. Annoying.

Thank you for the e-arc Charlesbridge and NetGalley.

Very cute story that my outdoorsy kids loved. They really enjoyed the illustrations of nature. Especially the funny face Rowan makes when he finds the latrine.
Nice message about having an adventure and the rewards that come with getting far far away. Loved that it included a non traditional family.

What a beautifully written story. The pictures of the wilderness jump from the page as the story follows. This book is great for kids that love camping and canoeing. Also a great read before you take your family on a wilderness adventure. Great vocabulary like portage and the northern lights.

Rowan is on his first camping trip, and not just a short hike. His parents take him on a trip visiting the Minnesota Boundary Waters. They travel over land carrying their canoe and supplies and paddle on the water as they explore the area. Whatever Rowan knew about camping, it doesn't prepare him for how tired, hungry and sore he becomes. The world of loons and chipmunks soon becomes one of sunburn and bug bites. His moms show him the wonder of the area as well as ways to safely camp. They encourage him to appreciate being away from the city so that not only can he be sore and tired, but happy and content. The author includes information on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Beautifully illustrated, this charming book will be an excellent library purchase.

Thanks to Charlesbridge, Molly Beth Griffin and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is a great read for any children who love the outdoors, camping and animals. The full page spreads really bring you into the story with rich use of colour. This book had a nice use of the title refrain throughout. Loved the inclusivity. I would have loved to see the book play with the typography more, especially on those satisfying onomatopoeia sounds!

When Rowan and his moms set out for the wilderness far, far away, he doesn't quite expect how tired and cranky and sore he'll get. When it's finally time to sleep, he's exhausted and it all comes out in an emotional burst: he doesn't *want* to be far, far away from his home comforts anymore! However, his moms know just the way to show him the rewards of being way out in the wilderness, and all the unique beauty waiting to be experienced.

This is a very sweet book with gorgeous illustrations, could very well be perfect for any little ones preparing to camp for the first time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such an adorable book, done flawlessly. I will be reading my son this book - especially because it's the closest to canoe camping with me he'll ever get. The payoff in the end of their hike is a relatable one, whether it be finding a cool waterfall or beautiful lookout in your experience. Even if you haven't experienced that sense of wonder yet, it doesn't take long to conjure up an image of the cliff Mufasa presented Simba upon.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you <i>are</a> planning any kind of camping trip with your child in the near future. I'm assuming this is a pretty accurate representation of the effort that goes into even daily activities.

{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Molly Beth Griffin and Charlesbridge for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!}

Oh this book was darling Molly! I have four kids, and we love camping. This book really reminds parents of the ways to help a child see the world for what it is, but also remind a parent to unplug from the technology and get outside. It was beautifully done! Highly recommend.

I have camped in the Boundary Waters and Quetico (on the Canada side) many, many times, and this book captures the magic of really getting away from it all! Rowan goes on a serious camping trip with his Moms, with all the pros and cons of being far, far away. No screens, and so many stars! A great introduction to the wonders of a huge, protected, wild place. Thanks to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for the eARC!

I loved this story of a boy and his moms traveling through the Minnesota Boundary Waters! It’s been a dream of my husband to take our kids one day, so this sweet story really hit home.

Rowan is excited for adventure, but quickly realizes that rustic camping is NOT the same as being at home with all of your comforts that you love. The story does a great job of affirming his feelings and helping him work through them to discover the wonder around him and allow him to fully experience this magical trip!