Most children experience the gripping fear of losing their bearings and the overwhelming relief of finding their way again at least once in their lifetime. Root (What’s That Noise?, p. 953, etc.) gently approaches this potentially frightening rite of passage through Oliver, a curious and adorable bear cub, as he, “chases a big yellow leaf down the hill, around a clumpy bush, under a twisty tree, and all the way to the edge of the woods,” out of the sight of his parents busy working on outdoor chores. After he loses track of the leaf, Oliver suddenly realizes he too is lost and desperately tries to retrace his steps. But he is unable to find his particular twisty tree or clumpy bush. When a round of crying doesn’t prove helpful Oliver, “rubs his nose and tries to think. He thinks and thinks and thinks.” Oliver’s own clever idea to roar loudly gets his parents’ attention and ultimately lands him safely in their arms. Pastel and charcoal illustrations beautifully capture the quaint country farmhouse, colorful foliage, and filtered sunlight of a crisp fall day in New England. Especially appealing are Oliver’s expressions as he experiences the awe of exploring new territory, the realization and fear of being lost, and the happiness of discovering his way home. A simple yet highly relevant tale for young readers. (Picture book. 2-5)
