Expedition Backyard by Rosemary Mosco, Binglin Hu
Published by Random House Graphic on June 21, 2022
ISBN: 059312734X
Pages: 128
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
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This elementary grade graphic novel with full-color, earth-tone illustrations throughout tells the story of Vole & Mole, two friends living in the country near a human house. They enjoy many adventures, including entering the house to watch nature shows on TV. One day, they find the house filled with boxes and while exploring they fall in, only to find themselves shipped to the city. There they have new adventures and make new friends: a house sparrow, an opossum, and a bumblebee. They learn to watch out for city owls (much like country owls) and discover that the city “lion” is a pet cat with a responsible owner.

This gentle book contains themes of friendship, nature, and adventure. There are several How-To’s at the end of the book, including How to Keep a Bird Journal, How to be a Responsible Cat Owner, etc. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library