In his debut picture book, John Owens takes readers on a mindfulness journey through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) on the Minnesota-Canada border. This gentle, wordless adventure depicts a young child and their family exploring and enjoying the wonders of nature.
Inspired by his own trips to the BWCA, Owens illustrates the awe and wonder of this lush land: dense forest, rushing rivers, tranquil lakes and an expansive night sky. The vibrant colors, strong lines and rich impressions of texture create alluring dimensions on every enticing, double-page spread.
By limiting his book to illustration only, Owens invites his audience to take in all the dynamic details of the family's surroundings and use their imaginations to hear, smell and even taste the natural world depicted. As the interracial family paddles their canoe through a lake full of lily pads, turtles watch and geese fly overhead. Their cozy campsite is inviting, even with the soft gray lines of rain pitter-patting. Realistically illustrated wild, ripe blueberries are picked and savored. Every family member enjoys the bounty of the region and the calm of the Earth.
One Summer Up North lends itself to wonderful discussions with readers of all ages, such as identifying natural elements with preschoolers or appreciating environmental responsibility with older audiences. Owens's love of the BWCA, as described in an author's note, results here in a beautiful homage that is likely to help develop a similar respect in many others. --Jen Forbus, freelancer