The Wilderness

Praise

When [Oktober] does encounter the Wilderness, adorable in an entertaining vertical gatefold, our hero learns to shift perspective. The tactile seeming digital illustrations are motion-filled, rounded-edged, and cozily autumnal.
—The Horn Book

Cautious Oktober avoids the unpredictable outdoors…until he finds himself face to face with the Wilderness. . . . This story is an effective metaphor for conquering fears. Oktober is a likable, wide-eyed bookworm, stronger and more adventurous than he realizes. Fittingly, McCarthy’s sweeping landscapes are full of gorgeous earth tones with rolling fog, mossy waterfalls, and piles of autumnal leaves adeptly brought to life. The endpapers serve as an intriguing visual glossary of fictional plants and animals. . . . A rich, imaginative world inhabited by believable, endearing humans.
—Kirkus Reviews

The friendly, funny story is perfect for young readers struggling with fears and anxiety, and the lively autumnal illustrations brim with glowing tones and delightful details, from snug bunk beds for each of the 12 children to tiny bits of flora and fauna. An empathetic entreaty to face fears and embrace life’s adventures.
—Booklist

We often resist shedding that which no longer serves us. Most adults need more practice with letting go, and children need modeling and guidance from the grownups in their lives to learn how to do it themselves. The joint approach is narrated beautifully in Steve McCarthy’s Wilderness.
—Literary Hub