Additional information
by Bridgitte Rodguez (Author), Natalia Bruno (Illustrator)
The fog hangs thick and low in the forest. "It's a perfect day for a walk through the redwoods," a girl's aunt tells her. The two decide to pack a lunch, zip up their jackets, and set off to explore a world of winding creeks, slimy banana slugs, and chittering birds that live among the giant trees. As they venture deeper into the forest, the girl and her aunt uncover the "fairy ring," which is believed by some to contain the magic powers of the forest. A Walk Through the Redwoods is a heartwarming and informative picture book that highlights the many different sights and sounds that can be encountered during a trip into a redwood forest. Emphasis is placed on several topics as the author weaves a story taken from her own experiences and facts about a redwood forest. Such topics include: Family connections: The reader follows along as a child and her aunt embark on a shared journey of exploration and education in an all-natural and awe-inspiring environment. Nature: As the story progresses, the reader discovers, along with the young girl, how the vast array of flora and fauna that exist in the redwood forest form a unique "fairy ring." This is the part of the forest where hikers experience the full interaction of plant and animal life in its purest form. Animals: The characters interact with an array of mammals, birds, fish, and insects that can be found amongst the redwood trees. Fascinating Facts: Key scientific and historical information about redwood forests throughout the story teach readers about the plant and animal life the characters encounter on their journey to the "fairy ring." These facts go further to discuss food and water sources for plants and animals specific to the redwood forests. Personal Experiences: Author Bridgitte Rodguez first encountered the redwoods during her time in college at the University of California, Santa Cruz. The campus is nestled among the redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Many of the experiences the child has in this story were real experiences Bridgitte experienced during her four years in Santa Cruz.
