Finding the Way to Faraway Valley

Created with watercolor, gouache, pastels, and digital techniques, the artwork pays tribute to the wonders of nature and those special places that haven't get been spoiled by humans, the are absolutely stunning. My son's favorite part was the illustrations.

The plot is cute. Grandfather Bear and his grandchild trek to find this untouched place with "pine needle air and a wide sky." I love how invested the young bear had gotten, to explore with their grandfather. When they reach the location they assume is Faraway Valley, it is heartbreaking. The image of a cut down forest, so empty and desolate just stops you in your tracks. I'm glad the animals of the forest deemed these two worthy and we get a bittersweet ending.

Some of the pages seem a bit text-heavy because of the decision to leave some pages without text, but that allows the special place, that faraway valley, to speak for itself and be admired by readers who may never have seen anything so pristine.

This is a firm, yet still gentle introduction into conservation. A must read for all nature-lovers.