Review Detail

THIS WAS NOT THE PLAN is a sweet picture book about friendship and the feeling of everything not going the way you want it to. Spike the bear and Roscoe the rabbit are heading out on a camping trip... a trip that is going to be perfect, as Spike has just the right plan! However, things do not go as he expected with mishaps along their hike. They also miss the sunset he wanted to watch. Setting up a tent in the dark is not easy, but they get it done and plan to see the sunrise in the morning. However, when they look out of the tent, their view is blocked by another animal!

When Spike shares his frustrations, Roscoe points out all the fun and laughs they have had along the way. The animals invite them to join, and they get to see the beautiful sunrise afterall.

What I loved: This is a sweet picture book about handling when things don't go your way and appreciating the detours life may give you. Roscoe juxtaposes Spoke all along the way with all the joy of appreciating things as they are and not worrying as much about the expectations you held. These dual perspectives help to demonstrate that there are options from your vantage point, and readers can choose to see the good parts. In the story, that is spending time with friends and having some laughs along the way. This is a great message for young readers, who can appreciate the sentiments.

The illustrations are lovely, particularly towards the end with a beautiful sunrise that the reader gets to enjoy with the characters. Their friendship and personalities easily come across when reading and add to the fun of the story. The font is clear and easy to read throughout, with the text placed carefully over lighter colors, so that it is easy for older eyes to see.

Final verdict: THIS WAS NOT THE PLAN is a sweet picture book about friendship and resilience that young readers will enjoy!