The Not So Far Away Adventure

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

As Theo's beloved Poppa's birthday approaches she wants to give him the perfect gift. Poppa has kept a trunk filled with mementos of his travels and adventures. It contains photos and maps and menus and trinkets that each hold a special memory and tell the story of his life. In this very sweet story Theo decides to plan an adventure based on one of Poppa's fondest memories which was a trip to the beach with Nana. They carefully draw a map and set out on the streetcar through the vibrant and culturally diverse city. They walk in the sand, put their toes in the water, collect shells and rocks "that looked just like jewels". They finish the day with lunch and the best gazpacho ever. When they arrive home to Poppa's birthday celebration Theo adds the map and treasures and a photo to the trunk. This is a lovely story about adventure and multigenerational family relationships. The illustrations are cheery and bright collages digitally produced using cloth and paper and photos.

Overall Book Score: very good