WIDE OPEN SPACES

It’s time to set out on the open road.

As the sun rises, a pale-skinned family of six and their rambunctious pooch load up their minivan and their trusty trailer before setting off to visit Gram, who lives by the beach. Perched in the middle of the vehicle, the unnamed young narrator clutches a favorite seashell, remembering Gram’s words: “not long now” until they reach their destination. Along the way, frequent stops further extend the trip. “Squished between bare feet and hot breath,” the kids keep busy, pointing out sights out the window. To keep anxiety at bay amid close quarters, the protagonist turns to relaxation exercises: “I close my eyes and imagine dashing like a roadrunner in the wide open space of the desert” or “gliding like an owl, across the wide open space of the mountaintop.” Eventually, the family arrives at the seashore, where Gram is waiting, and the narrator enjoys “the wide open space…of her hug.” Gortman’s tidily composed images of the van’s interior alternate with double-page spreads that evoke the sweeping beauty of the landscapes; inset panels zoom in to capture moments of chaos. McGrath’s gracefully alliterative, child-friendly narration speaks to both the frustrations and joys of the family road trip; words and art meld for a spirited yet soothing tale of a youngster who acknowledges stress but still finds a way to appreciate nature.

Slow down, take a deep breath—and make time for this gentle ode to mindfulness.