Book Review: A Thank You Walk

When I was young, my maternal grandpa loved to take me on walks. One of his favorite stories he would recount to me when I was older was about the time I spotted a robin ahead of us on the sidewalk. I hunched down and watched it intently for several minutes, then I tried to waddle after it to get closer. It looked at me and, apparently not sensing a threat, let me approach. My Grandpa Claire was just tickled every time when he'd describe how we were practically nose to beak, studying each other.

I now have fond memories of taking my daughters walking around town. It began with exploring my Indiana neighborhood when I had only one daughter, who sometimes slept in the stroller during these excursions. Now I get to take both of my girls to my favorite Wisconsin trails. We might notice birds flying overhead or pinecones and acorns scattered on the ground. When we are along the river, there might be boats that catch our eye or conversations carried across the water that we pick up on. The slow pace of these walks allows us to seek out details we'd miss if we were rushing by in a car, and it gives us opportunities for conversations we might not otherwise have.

Bright Start -- A Thank You Walk is a short picture book that shows a mother and child enjoying each other's company while they take a walk. They notice the chirping birds at the feeder and the mom narrates how they are thanking them for the food. Through this modeling in other examples, at the close of the story, the young child helps a beetle turn upright and, as the insect flies away, the child declares that it is thanking them for intervening.

It is a darling, sweet read that enforces the special moments that can take place through a short walk and models how meaningful simple conversations can be in such a setting. And I'm thankful for the way it called to mind the special story my grandfather would tell me; he is now gone, and it was a treat to recall his joy when telling stories such as the one I shared above.

(I received a digital ARC from Quarto Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)