ONE WINTER UP NORTH

A family of three goes on a winter camping trip in this wordless picture book.

Leaving their car, two parents and a child snowshoe in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota while pulling sleds filled with gear. Near a frozen, snow-covered lake, they set up camp. A hot tent (with a woodstove and stovepipe) keeps the family cozy overnight. Pulling on winter gear takes several spot illustrations scattered across a spread until finally the child is ready to greet the new day. The three snowshoe across the lake and through the woods, exploring, perusing the wildlife tracks they spy, and stopping for hot drinks. On their second night, they stand outside and echo the howls of the wolves. Readers leave them that evening snuggled up by the fire. The watercolor illustrations emphasize both the remoteness of the location and the season. Blues and whites dominate the double-page spreads, with cozy yellows for warmth and light. Perspectives change to give both close-up and big-picture views, the family tiny in the wilderness. The quiet is palpable. Close observers may spy some wildlife, but the focus is on the family’s adventure, which, while some may proclaim is boring, will thrill outdoorsy families, who may rush to plan their own wintry camping trip. The child and one of the parents have brown skin; the other parent’s skin is lighter. All have dark hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Captures the simple pleasures and quiet escape of a family’s winter camping trip.