The Wonders That I Find

by Meghan J. Ward, Taylor Odynski (Illustrator)

It's a beautiful summer day and Geneva's parents have something special in mind: a hike to a scenic viewpoint in the mountains. So, they load up their car and drive to their chosen trail — a steep but rewarding hike called "Climb into the Sky." With her teddy in tow, Geneva tries to keep up with her parents, who are eager to show her the view up high. A bird's-eye view is what they promise, one that shows a winding river and trees down low, and rows of peaks that stretch into the distance. But, as she walks, she's distracted by the wonders of nature that catch her eye and beckon her to take a closer look. What does she see along the trail that's so fascinating? Does she ever reach the top?

The Wonders That I Find taps into a child's curiosity about the world — something we all possess but often neglect as we grow older. The book asks us to slow down as we join Geneva on the trail, to appreciate the smaller things and savour the journey as much as the destination.

Vibrant, whimsical illustrations accompany this thoughtful poem, which will quickly become a favourite for both parents and children to read together.

Genres: Nature, Childrens

40 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2021

About the author

Meghan J. Ward is an outdoor, travel and adventure writer based in Banff, Canada, and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Meghan has written several books, including a children's book, as well as produced content for films, anthologies, blogs and some of North America’s top outdoor, fitness and adventure publications. Her latest book, Lights to Guide Me Home, takes the reader on a trip around the world while chronicling her transitions through some of life’s major milestones.

Meghan is also wife and partner in business and creativity with Paul Zizka, a mountain landscape and adventure photographer. They love to explore the wild and the world together and take their two young daughters along for the ride.

She publishes a bi-monthly Substack called Field Notes about navigating a life lived off the beaten track in the outdoors, travelling, parenting and passion-fuelled projects.

Reviews

[Myles Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great storytime book to get the young ones excited about nature and going outside. The rhyming flows great and makes it very easy to read aloud. The illustrations are beautiful and somehow manages to be simple but with some really awesome details. I loved this one and I will use it for storytime in the future.

[Kelly (VanIslandCircus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated seeing the world through the little girls eyes. I have been guilty myself of rushing to the end. I am going to make sure I stop even more now with the kids when we are out hiking, there is so much more to see and do when you take the time.

Which I think is a wonderfully presented message in this story. We all need to take more time.

[Kathleen Ellingson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful children’s book. The repetitive vocabulary and rhyme make it an excellent addition to any primary/ preschool teacher’s library. The images of God’s creation are so fun, and well done. Our grandchildren really enjoyed it. Hopefully we’ll see more from this talented team.

[Sibel SkO · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great children's book about a topic that I love! Love the language, the adjectives used to describe the land,the rhyme and rhythm- love that its written and illustrated by Alberta's. My only qualm, why use "miles" when all our trails are in kilometers?