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Wide Open Spaces
Embark on a wild and whimsical road trip when a cramped family car transforms into a child’s mindful, imaginative escape. With each mile, nature’s wonders offer relief, turning restless moments into a journey of calm, curiosity, and learning the joys of paying attention to the present.
Gram’s words echo in my ear, “Not long now.”
So begins an epic journey to Grandma’s house, squeezed in a car with four siblings, two parents, and one furry drooler named Daisy. Mile after mile, there are snack bags and bathroom breaks, curvy roads and upset stomachs, and “How much longer?” set on repeat.
I close my eyes and imagine . . .
What would it be like to dash like a roadrunner? Glide like an owl? Buzz like a bee? Stretch out wide in a natural, open space?
Focusing on the sights, sounds, and smells of the variety of environments outside the cramped car soothes the narrator’s growing frustration. As they channel the calming power of mindfulness and the magnificence of nature, a tedious trip becomes sweet, silly, and even sublime.
Lyrical language and illustrations both hilarious and heartfelt tell the story of a journey made (nearly) as enjoyable as the destination. Along the way, readers will realize that a small shift in perspective can ease their own journey through the challenges and uncertainties that every day presents.
Gram’s words echo in my ear, “Not long now.”
So begins an epic journey to Grandma’s house, squeezed in a car with four siblings, two parents, and one furry drooler named Daisy. Mile after mile, there are snack bags and bathroom breaks, curvy roads and upset stomachs, and “How much longer?” set on repeat.
I close my eyes and imagine . . .
What would it be like to dash like a roadrunner? Glide like an owl? Buzz like a bee? Stretch out wide in a natural, open space?
Focusing on the sights, sounds, and smells of the variety of environments outside the cramped car soothes the narrator’s growing frustration. As they channel the calming power of mindfulness and the magnificence of nature, a tedious trip becomes sweet, silly, and even sublime.
Lyrical language and illustrations both hilarious and heartfelt tell the story of a journey made (nearly) as enjoyable as the destination. Along the way, readers will realize that a small shift in perspective can ease their own journey through the challenges and uncertainties that every day presents.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Update: We read this book every night in anticipation of and during our recent road trip. It helped set my three year old's expectations and give perspective to my eight year old when things didn't go as planned. The kids were still asking to read it by the end of the trip and discovering new layers to the illustrations/story. Can't wait to purchase the physical copy when it's released!
Original review:
The three year old's first words after we finished reading was, "Read it again!" She gives the book 5 enthusiastic stars. The eight year old reports that he enjoyed the pictures. He gave the book 3 stars. I personally thought it would be a nice book for toddlers before their first road trip but maybe not a book I'd regularly read. I appreciated that it acknowledged the harder aspects of a long road trip and offered a gentle nudge towards how one might re-frame challenging moments and cope with all the feelings that can accompany them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Dot Kids Press for the ARC!
Original review:
The three year old's first words after we finished reading was, "Read it again!" She gives the book 5 enthusiastic stars. The eight year old reports that he enjoyed the pictures. He gave the book 3 stars. I personally thought it would be a nice book for toddlers before their first road trip but maybe not a book I'd regularly read. I appreciated that it acknowledged the harder aspects of a long road trip and offered a gentle nudge towards how one might re-frame challenging moments and cope with all the feelings that can accompany them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Dot Kids Press for the ARC!
May 27, 2026
Journey over the desert and through the woods to Gram’s house. Our unnamed protagonist (with fair skin and green-tipped brown hair) finds herself stuck in the car with her parents, three siblings, and “family drooler” Mae the dog as they make their way cross country to Grandma’s house on the shore. Traveling so far presents all kinds of challenges, from cramped spaces to frequent stops to too much noise. But with the help of her bright imagination, this little girl learns to find calm in the present and enjoy the adventure all the way to the “wide open space” of Gram’s hug. McGrath’s story will be all-too-familiar for families setting out on long car rides, but her moments of family fun and creative reflection serve as a great reminder of the power of living in the moment. With each frustrating detour, McGrath ensures our protagonist takes time to “close my eyes and imagine,” helping her escape frustrations and find joy in the journey. And her emphasis on family connection adds a grounding touch, as the little girl finds time to “draw pictures in the dust” with her siblings, play “guess who” while waiting in lines, and of course “Look!” at all the wonderful things outside the car as they drive through beautiful landscapes. There is also a note at the end about mindfulness, along with tips for practice.
Gortman’s illustrations enhance the tale with expressive family members–dog included–and stunning wilderness landscapes. While there is no indication of how they were created, the gentle shading and soft lines are reminiscent of gouache and pencil, creating a look similar to that of books from the 1990s (such as Arthur and Junie B. Jones) yet still feeling fresh. Gortman does a wonderful job using space on the page, employing frames to contrast the cramped nature of the car’s inside with the beauty outside, and double-page spreads to celebrate the expansive freedom of the girl’s imagination. Gortman also uses the protagonist’s favorite seashell, an orange conch, to serve as a visual grounding tool. All of the girl’s moments of escape flow out of the seashell. This visual metaphor enhances the emotional climax when we not only learn that she found the shell with Gram, but she also uses it to help her sister calm down: “Her tears dry up, and I know… Mae can hear it too.” This book is a beautiful reminder for readers of all ages that joy is found when we slow down and open ourselves to the present moment. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Gortman’s illustrations enhance the tale with expressive family members–dog included–and stunning wilderness landscapes. While there is no indication of how they were created, the gentle shading and soft lines are reminiscent of gouache and pencil, creating a look similar to that of books from the 1990s (such as Arthur and Junie B. Jones) yet still feeling fresh. Gortman does a wonderful job using space on the page, employing frames to contrast the cramped nature of the car’s inside with the beauty outside, and double-page spreads to celebrate the expansive freedom of the girl’s imagination. Gortman also uses the protagonist’s favorite seashell, an orange conch, to serve as a visual grounding tool. All of the girl’s moments of escape flow out of the seashell. This visual metaphor enhances the emotional climax when we not only learn that she found the shell with Gram, but she also uses it to help her sister calm down: “Her tears dry up, and I know… Mae can hear it too.” This book is a beautiful reminder for readers of all ages that joy is found when we slow down and open ourselves to the present moment. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a fun book!
The song "Over the river and through the wood, to Grandmother's house we go" ran through my head while reading this fun children's book; as someone who spent 6 years traveling back and forth to my own grandmother's house [from Ohio to PA] and then many more years traveling between my divorced parent's houses [from PA to Michigan], this book really resonated with me as I sympathized with the characters and all their time spent in the car ["Are we there yet?" was SO banned from being said on our trips]! The end is the best though, with Grandma's big waiting hug!!
Filled with fun, colorful illustrations, this would be a fun book to read to littles who are going on a trip for the first time or just to remind them again that the reward at the end [and Grandma] are always worth the long trip!
Thank you to NetGalley, Robyn McGrath, Polina Gortman - Illustrator, and Publisher's Spotlight/Blue Dot Kids Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The song "Over the river and through the wood, to Grandmother's house we go" ran through my head while reading this fun children's book; as someone who spent 6 years traveling back and forth to my own grandmother's house [from Ohio to PA] and then many more years traveling between my divorced parent's houses [from PA to Michigan], this book really resonated with me as I sympathized with the characters and all their time spent in the car ["Are we there yet?" was SO banned from being said on our trips]! The end is the best though, with Grandma's big waiting hug!!
Filled with fun, colorful illustrations, this would be a fun book to read to littles who are going on a trip for the first time or just to remind them again that the reward at the end [and Grandma] are always worth the long trip!
Thank you to NetGalley, Robyn McGrath, Polina Gortman - Illustrator, and Publisher's Spotlight/Blue Dot Kids Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This beautifully illustrated book follows a road-tripping family throughout their travels. The main character copes with frustrations and impatience by enjoying the outdoor scenery and imagining what it would like to be different animals. The story ends on a joyful note as the family arrives at their destination and finally gets to see Grandma, but the book shows that you can enjoy the journey, too.
This book encourages kids to use their imagination and stay present. This can be a helpful first experiences read before a big road trip, and is a nice story about the power of mindfulness to help us get through prolonged, not-ideal experiences.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book encourages kids to use their imagination and stay present. This can be a helpful first experiences read before a big road trip, and is a nice story about the power of mindfulness to help us get through prolonged, not-ideal experiences.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book 104 of 365 ~ 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Oh the frustrations one feels especially when one anticipates seeing their favourite person and it is a long journey to get there.
What makes it worse is being stuck in the middle with noisy siblings.
A good reminder to be in the now, be mindful. It takes a lot to remain calm while juggling emotions that move between being excited and being frustrated. It takes a big person to remember to be kind and understanding.
Gorgeous illustrations and a wonderful story to remind us to be patient as the end is always worth it.
I received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book104of365 #amreading #netgalley #thisbookfairyisreading #theSGtrekkiereads
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Oh the frustrations one feels especially when one anticipates seeing their favourite person and it is a long journey to get there.
What makes it worse is being stuck in the middle with noisy siblings.
A good reminder to be in the now, be mindful. It takes a lot to remain calm while juggling emotions that move between being excited and being frustrated. It takes a big person to remember to be kind and understanding.
Gorgeous illustrations and a wonderful story to remind us to be patient as the end is always worth it.
I received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book104of365 #amreading #netgalley #thisbookfairyisreading #theSGtrekkiereads
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
We've all been there: the road trip that never seems to end. Sure, there are the amazing sights and sounds...but what about the constant rest stop breaks? The cramped space? The growing anticipation and impatience! In Wide Open Spaces, McGrath writes a beautiful ode to road trip mindfulness. The journey is, of course, just as great as the destination, and our young protagonist finds a way to both be more mindful and help her baby sister do so, too.
This a perfect summertime book, and the illustrations are simply gorgeous. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This a perfect summertime book, and the illustrations are simply gorgeous. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2026
A family visits grandma and has to take a road trip to get there that includes stopping off at rest stops in the middle of the dessert and plenty of "are we there yets" but it seems incongruous. It's trying to talk about the "wide open spaces" of the outdoors and nature bathing yet it's a road trip story and it doesn't necessarily come together as one story. This two elements never melded, it needed to lean more into one or the other.
And the missing blanket annoyed me!
And the missing blanket annoyed me!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you #NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC children’s book in return for my honest opinion and review.
This story teaches of mindfulness and ways to take in all the things surrounding you to help calm your mind. There are many things you can see, hear and feel if you let your mind reach into the wide open spaces.
This story teaches of mindfulness and ways to take in all the things surrounding you to help calm your mind. There are many things you can see, hear and feel if you let your mind reach into the wide open spaces.
May 16, 2026
This one gives me the feels--nostalgia of a crowded car ride with family, the excitement of heading to see a loved one, the specialness of simple moments, and the wonder of wide open spaces. Polina Gortman's exquisite art pairs perfectly with Robyn McGrath's brilliant text. I highly recommend for schools, libraries, and homes!
June 5, 2026
Experience the ups and downs of a road trip with this sweet, fun family. They feel authentic and tender. "Wedged between jabbing elbows and knobby knees" is my favorite line. Wonderful, active, illustrations made me feel like I was right there with these characters. A nice activity and moment between granddaughter and grandma on the last page.
June 8, 2026
This book reminds me of childhood. I need to pack everybody in the car and drive for long periods to get from one area to another just to see your favorite family. The stops for restrooms, the snacks all over the car. This is a love letter to a past with exploration, one that may happen less often as gas prices continue to rise.
October 22, 2026
A beautiful story and with lovely pictures about a road trip to see grandma.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews