Gorilla Walk (Adventures Around the World) Paperback – Picture Book, October 1, 2014

love

My children and I loved this book. It's a fascinating first-hand account with unbelievably lovely watercolor illustrations. So many children's books have hurried, poorly done, and / or downright ugly illustrations, so I always get excited when I find one that is beautifully illustrated. I put it on my list of favorite children's books!

As an artist and a teacher I see many valuable qualities in this book. First of all there is the opportunity for young people to learn about an important endangered species, Mountain Gorillas. Then there are the exquisite, artistically inspiring watercolor illustrations - equal to the quality of P.J. Lynch (When Jessie Came Across The Sea). But most importantly to me, this magnificent book also gives guidance to children in pursuing a life long dream. It doesn't make it look easy and I can't say I would want to go to the Impenetrable Forest, but thanks to Ted and Betsy Lewin I don't have to. The authors had never seen anything but photos of dead Mountain Gorillas. They wanted to meet them alive, face to face. And they did. It's an amazing, exciting, true-life adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat! It's better than Indiana Jones because it's real. The authors are wonderful examples of heroes that are clearly willing to do whatever it takes (and it takes a lot) to make their dreams come true.