Expedition Backyard: Exploring Nature from Country to City

Every day and sometimes at night, excitable Vole surprises neighbor Mole with a wake-up call: “TIME FOR ADVENTURE!!” Quieter, more risk-averse Mole gamely accompanies danger-seeking Vole, documenting their days in a sketchbook. When the pair inadvertently hitches a one-way ride to a city with nearby human residents, portrayed as Black, they make the best of the surprising transition, exploring the urban wilderness in bite-size adventures with dialogue by Mosco that smoothly integrates nature facts. Hu’s animal character designs are welcoming and friendly, while changing viewpoints—including cutaways of Mole’s underground home, images of sketchbook pages, and aerial views of the adventurers’ rambles—keep the pages interesting in this light comic centering a gentle animal fellowship, a human child’s move from city to country, and a view of the natural world’s variations. Back matter includes tips for drawing, journaling, and green living. Ages 4–8. (June)