[Review] Three Days on a River in a Red Canoe children's book

Three Days on a River in a Red Canoe by Vera B. Williams is an incredible children's book that we found at the Public Library! I was shocked that I had never heard of such a great story for children of outdoor enthusiasts! It is a 32-page story that shares all the details of a canoe trip through the eyes of a child. It is described as:

Follow[ing] the red canoe from page to page as it journeys down river carrying the family on a camping tour. It's the next best thing to paddling it yourself.

There are many things to love about this book! Its illustrations have a unique hand-drawn look to match the book's style of being a child's journal, yet they are beautifully realistic! It includes some fun bonuses such as camping recipes and diagrams for how to tie various knots. But what I love most of all about this story is the detail Williams delves into regarding the uncertainty and surprise involved in canoe tripping; the beauty found out on a river; and the decision making, trip planning, and confidence/perseverance needed while navigating a river in a canoe. 

For many folks who are die-hard outdoor enthusiasts, it can be hard to find books that tell the stories of the adventures we take with our children, but Three Days on a River in a Red Canoe is so adventurous and realistic that you will almost feel like you are reading your own travel journal! It is a great read for the winter when we long for the canoeing days of summer!