It’s precisely this spirit of joie de vivre that a closeknit group of neighbourhood kids invest on their holidays together.
And just like the sensitively portrayed
array of cultures and countries they embrace, so too do their travel
aspirations take on an international flair.
From the great coral reefs to the frozen lands of Antarctica, through the staggering mysteries of the Amazon to the incredible wonders of Niagara Falls, the friends sail, trek, swing, climb and snorkel hand in hand and occasionally hump by hump; camel riding notwithstanding. Lucky devils!
No
mountain, including Mt Everest mind you, is too high. No ocean too deep. These
intrepid travellers surmount every obstacle with true grit, determination and
the biggest smiles plastered on their faces. Because that’s what true travel is;
a shared wondrous experience to cherish not just because of the place but because
of those you shared that place with and the moments you forged there, together.
Real or not.
Martin
and Johnston have created a lilting series of sublime moments, adventures within
the adventure if you will that truly lights the smile on your dial. The union
of lyrical narrative with Johnston’s unreliable visual narrative is immediately
appreciable and entertaining providing a gorgeous, seamless juxtaposition of realty
with imagination.
There
is no explicit explanation of the children’s ethnicity nor abilities which is exactly
as life should be and how kids tend to view their world anyway; with absolute undiluted
inclusivity. Diversities are simply depicted through soft playful illustrations
creating a rich and satisfying book journey, never mind the global trek!
Where
Shall We Travel Today?
meshes family and friendship ties with wanderlust and an acute appreciation for
the natural world. By spotlighting the power of imaginative play, the beauty of
that which is far greater than us all is pulled in sensationally sharp and beautiful
focus. I loved it.
So
will all the other little crusaders out there.
Title: Where Shall We Go Today?
Author: Kristin Martin
Illustrator: Nicky Johnston
Publisher: MidnightSun Publishing, $29.99
Publication Date: 1 July 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922858542
For ages: 4 – 8
Type: Picture Book
