The Wilderness -- Steve McCarthy, Hardcover

In this gorgeously illustrated whimsical tale, a young boy who fears the outdoors becomes lost in the forest . . . and discovers not only his courage but a new friend, too.

The Vasylenko family are all adventurers who love wild places and wild things. All, that is, except young Oktober. He also dreams of adventure, but it's the kind that takes place between the pages of a book, indoors, where it's safe and warm. Unlike the rest of his family, he dreads venturing out where it's cold, wet, and home to a creature he calls the Wilderness. His father assures him the wilderness isn't a monster, but out there, Oktober can only see slimy tails and sharp teeth and so many places for the terrible Wilderness to hide. One day on a hike, Oktober gets separated from his family, and because he doesn't believe he's brave enough to be an adventurer, he's certain his fate is sealed. But maybe getting lost is just what Oktober needs to find courage and a new perspective . . . and an unexpected friend. With wry humor and marvelously rich and clever illustrations that readers will be happy to get lost in, Steve McCarthy's debut as author-illustrator will speak to even the most timid and bookish of adventurers.

Author: Steve McCarthy
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 10/03/2023
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 11.90h x 9.90w x 0.30d
ISBN: 9781536231373
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 09/01/2023
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2023 pg. 26
Booklist 10/01/2023 pg. 75

About the Author
Steve McCarthy is an Irish designer, illustrator, and author. His early career was devoted to traditional animation and background design, most notably for the 2015 Oscar-nominated animated feature film Song of the Sea. He is also the illustrator of A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea; The One with the Waggly Tail; and Sally Go Round the Stars, all by Sarah Webb. The Wilderness is his author-illustrator debut and was inspired by the freedom of his homeschooled childhood. Steve McCarthy lives in southeast London.