Finding the way to Faraway Valley

Intrigued by an old postcard from Faraway Valley, a young bear asks his grandfather about it. The valley is an extraordinary wilderness area that Grandpa has always wanted to visit "to meet the great elks, the tawny foxes, and the mountain goats." In summer, warm pine needles scent the air. After a long period of learning and preparing themselves, the bears travel by ship and by trek across the land, reaching their destination with help from the animals that live there. In Faraway Valley, the bears find great beauty in the land and the night sky. Grandpa decides to stay and protect this special place, while his grandson returns home. The ending is unexpected but satisfying within the context of the story. Using watercolors, pastels, gouache, and digital tools, the author-illustrator has created two bear characters who walk upright, wear hats, and are endearing without a trace of sentimentality. Heikkilӓ writes with clarity as well as a restrained yet lyrical tone that makes Faraway Valley seem magical for readers as well. Her narrative expresses the great warmth and trust within the grandfather--grandson relationship as well as the sense of belonging that each of them feels in Faraway Valley. A beautifully illustrated picture book with an environmental theme.

Two bears make a miraculous journey. A little bear asks Grandpa about the postcard on his fridge depicting a beautiful landscape. "That's Faraway Valley," Grandpa says. It's a distant place, home to wonderful animals. The child yearns to go; Grandpa promises they will. They make a long voyage by sea. Upon arrival, they set out on a difficult woodsy trail. They eventually find a ruined landscape that looks nothing like their postcard. Bitterly disappointed, they surmise that they've arrived "too late" and prepare to leave. But a crashing sound behind them stops them: Faraway Valley's storied animals--an elk, wolf, fox, goat, and others--appear, beckoning them to follow through woods and hills. Next morning, the bears awaken to a breathtaking view and know that this is actually their longed-for destination. That night, Grandpa says he'll remain permanently to protect the land, but it's the cub's duty to go back home and teach others to "love the places of beauty we have left." Back at school, the little bear recounts the adventure and vows to return one day. This gentle clarion call to protect Earth's wild spaces was originally published in Sweden, then translated into English for publication in Scotland. Its message should be heard globally, in every language. Delicately lovely watercolor, gouache, pastel, and digital illustrations capture our planet's fragile beauty. Faraway Valley is closer to home than we may realize, and we must all protect it. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.