Author: Maxwell Eaton III
Illustrator: Maxwell Eaton III
© Date: 2023
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Pages: 139
Chapters: No, just different sections of information
Illustrations: Yes, graphic novel
Publisher Recommended Age: 8-12 years
Bonus Activities at End of Book: Yes, useful tips like how to tie some handy knots, how to wrap a sprained ankle, a skunk spray remedy, and others
Summary from Book: Stay calm and Scout it out!
- Take inventory of what you have.
- Find shelter.
- Make a fire.
- Signal for help.
- Secure water and food.
Follow Scout’s trial through the mountains as she explains how to survive if you ever find yourself lost in the wilderness. A perfect travel companion for those with a knack for adventure!
Note: This review is done from memory. I originally read this awhile ago.
Page Pig Thoughts: We giggled our way through learning about surviving in the woods. Scout’s entertaining skunk companion would be hard not to like, but he definitely helped keep the mood lighter on a subject that could have been scary. I really appreciate and admire Maxwell Eaton III’s ability to present information in an entertaining format.
Family Unit: Scout and her older brother set off for a backpacking trip, their grandmother stays behind with a sprained ankle
Items of Interest:
- Has a warning at the beginning that the book presents skills and techniques that may save your life, but many are dangerous in their own way. Do not attempt any of the stuff in the story without the guidance of a responsible/capable adult.
- Scout’s older brother was trying to fill in for their grandmother as a guide on Scout’s backpacking trip. He does not really know what he is doing (e.g. enters trip with mismatched footwear – one hiking boot and a flip flop). A comedy gig through the story is a bear chasing him through the woods, but do not worry, he does not get eaten by the bear.
- Scout is on her own and logically thinks through the various steps that she needs to survive while lost in the woods. Part of her planning is how to signal for help to stand a better chance of being rescued.
- Most of the information was easy to follow, but we found the directions for reading Scout’s topographic map with her compass a little confusing. Maybe with a little more time or looking at the proper compass would have made it easier.
- Scout’s efforts pay off, Scout and her brother survive the ordeal and are rescued. Yes, the skunk is also rescued, he is too clingy to stay behind.
- Has a note from the author at the end that indicates this is a fictional account of being stranded in the mountain and things could have gone much worse. This book is intended to lay a foundation for skills for thinking through situations and staying calm.
Other Books in Series (At Time of Posting):
- Book 2 – Survival Scout: Tsunami – An entertaining and informational read, but we missed having an added humor line similar to the bear chasing the brother
- Book 3 – Survival Scout: Lost at Sea (not released yet)