If you have not picked up one of Jess McGeachin’s
books before, then now is your chance. Find me in
the Forest is the second in the ‘find me’ series and it does not disappoint.
The book begins by exploring the forests of Australia and their inhabitants before moving to other parts of the world. There are temperate forests, dry forests, tropical forests, and boreal forests, just to name a few. Each has their own set of characteristics and creatures that call them home.
Jess explores each forest literally from the ground
up. From the insects and birds to the various animals that all have a place in
the ecosystem. He writes about the forests themselves, from seasonal changes
and the role of leaf litter to the importance of fire in releasing seeds.
There is so much information packed into this book
that it can’t possibly be absorbed in one sitting. Luckily Find me in the Forest
is one of those treasures that kids will want to refer to again and again.
Each time fining something new to marvel at.
Supporting the text is the soft watercolour style of illustrations
that we have come to love from Jess. His
colour choices and changing compositions (from graphic panels through to an
opening centrefold) show the care and dedication that he has given this work. While his
stylistic animals show enough details to be recognised but are not simplified
to the point of becoming ‘characters’. A task that can be at times hard to achieve.
Find me in the Forest is the perfect
starting point for any nature lover wanting to know more about our planet. It
gives a broad introduction to so many topics including environmental changes
and is written in a way that even the youngest reader can understand. With the
inclusion of a world map and forest locator on the final pages, this is a must
for any classroom or library.
Find me on the Coast is the first in the 'find me ' Series.
Title: Find me in the Forest
Author/Illustrator: Jess McGeachin
Publisher: Hachette
Publication Date: 28 July 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780734423849
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture book