Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: A WALK IN THE WOODS by Nikki Grimes
Introduction by Heavy Medal Award Committee Member Alicia Rogers
“Can you smile and cry at the same time?” Yes, thanks to writer and poet Nikki Grimes and artists Jerry and Brian Pinkney, who deliver a profound exploration of loss, legacy, grief, and
direction in their beautifully rendered picture book, A WALK IN THE WOODS.
A week after his father’s funeral, an unnamed Black boy peers into his reflection and sees his
father’s features in his own. He asks, “Why Dad? Why did you have to leave?” and begins to
move through the stages of grief. As a universal story of loss unfolds, a distinct story of a Black
father and son connecting to nature and to each other is brought to life. Inside an envelope left by his father, the boy discovers a map of the woods marked with a red X. Even though he
hoped to receive “some special advice, a secret even–not some stupid map,” he goes to the
woods to find… a treasure? After nearly crushing a familiar garter snake, Sal, at the entrance,
he reminds himself–as one does in nature–to “Slow down! Pay Attention!” His deep sadness is
revealed as he walks.
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(“Sal slithers behind a rock, like I sometimes wish I could.” / “A few low
branches reach out, as greedy for touch as me.” / “I hope their mother returns. Not every parent does. Or can.”).
As the boy moves along, a wren sings, mushrooms sprout, an eagle flies, and grouse peep. He
thinks, “with each step, the hurt inside my heart pounds less, and less.” The boy ultimately finds the intended treasure: a stack of “beautifully odd” and “oddly beautiful” sketches and stories his father made of nature’s creatures long ago, at his age. The boy receives the advice he wishes for at the story’s start. “Draw and write your own story,” father writes son on the last, otherwise blank, page the boy examines in the pile.
The text, exquisitely written in verse, stands alone to tell the story–but I dare the reader to
ignore the art. In their respective notes, Grimes and Brian Pinkney share how the collaboration between the prolific award-winning author and what I consider to be The Picture Book Royal Family came to be. Friends “forever,” Grimes and the talented, beloved Jerry Pinkney had never worked together, until Jerry’s writer-wife Gloria Pinkney suggested they do so. When Jerry passed in 2021, he had only completed line drawings for the book, but Grimes had finished writing its text. Jerry’s son Brian completed the book’s illustrations using colorful watercolor and gouache paint, and art became life as Brian mourned the loss of his father. Finally, artist Charnelle Pinkney Barlow used digital illustration techniques to piece the works of grandfather Jerry and uncle Brian together.
Not only are the Newbery criteria for theme and setting on display in this work of art, the book exhibits “conspicuous excellence or eminence” while showing respect for child readers. My only question is whether it will win the Newbery, the Caldecott, or–dare I say–both?
Filed under: Book Discussion, Heavy Medal Mock
About Emily Mroczek-Bayci
Emily Mroczek (Bayci) is a freelance children’s librarian in the Chicago suburbs. She served on the 2019 Newbery committee. You can reach her at emilyrmroczek@gmail.com.
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Books about loss and grief are so difficult to do well, particularly those for a younger audience: the author must put the loss into terms young readers can understand and manage. The nameless narrator of this story is older than the average picture book reader, but his journey through nature, and through different emotions, is relatable, and his late father’s guidance to channel his feelings and energy into creative expression is healthy and helpful. As always with picture books, I find it difficult to focus solely on the text apart from the illustrations, which are kinetic and colorful thanks to Pinkney’s drawings on top of the bright, almost abstract paintings beneath.
I think this topic/ theme is very important because people sadly have to go thru this at a young age. I think the raw feelings and confusion are conveyed in an excellent, realistic manner.
Another youth librarian and I had a conversation about this book when it was first published. We agreed that knowing the backstory is essential for full appreciation of the book, and we questioned whether the average reader, or the average read-aloud session, would delve into the author’s note enough to understand that Brian so fittingly finished the artwork for his father. Absolutely lovely, no question, but is this a book for sentimental adults in picture book clothing?
Elaine you summed up my questions and feelings exactly. I got an ARC of this book and frankly, didn’t fully appreciate it until I read the backstory. Then yes it was sweet. But it is absolutely a sentimental adult book in the guise of a picture book (and I adore Nikki Grimes, Pinkney admittedly less so).
It is a very important topic but interestingly, I thought it would resonate with me more. However, I will not be shocked if it wins something (possible Coretta?)
It’s interesting to compare the way grief is expressed in A WALK IN THE WOODS with the way it’s depicted in other books on our list like SIMON and HERCULES. As we discussed yesterday with SIMON, Erin Bow didn’t shy away from describing Simon’s panic attacks and trauma responses in detail. Gary Schmidt also constantly reminded us about the car crash that killed Hercules’ parents. But I was struck by the quiet and solemn tone of Nikki Grimes’ poem, which was coupled perfectly with Jerry and Brian Pinkney’s illustrations. The setting is what completes this text of silent, profound grief. Even as the boy connects the wildlife he sees around him with his own sense of loss, we feel that a sense of peace is possible as he discovers the illustrations and poems his father left for him. Grimes notes that the reason this book came to be is because she and Pinkney noticed a lack of books featuring African-American children in nature, and I believe they delivered on filling that empty space on the shelves with this lovely picture book.
As far as Newbery criteria go, I would argue that the style, setting, and themes of this book are exceptional. The character delineation and the way that information is presented are also very good, even though we don’t know much about the boy other than his feelings at this specific moment in time. What does everyone else think?
I thought the setting was the strongest in this book. Almost every page gives you a feel for what the woods are like. I was wondering what people thought about the animal poems being part of the text. I honestly didn’t feel the writing style changed for them, which I think is a good thing. Is it? It all felt poetic. I thought the theme did a good job, too. There were bits inserted in the story about the dad, so we kept remembering that loss. Granted, I think the theme was stronger in AN AMERICAN STORY, but I thought the setting was stronger in A WALK IN THE WOODS.
I agree with Emily that the theme of loss and grief is very important to portray in children’s books. I know as a teacher, I would of handed this book to some students I taught. I have found few books for K-3 students that portray loss as well as this book does for younger children.
The setting is strong. I felt like I was walking right along with the boy the woods and experienced the quiet. I even realized as I was reading that I turned the pages quietly, solemnly and paused to reflect. I felt like I tiptoed through the book.
The back story made me cry, but I am so glad that Nikki Grimes and Brian Pinkney finished this gem of a book after Jerry Pinkney passed.
“A Walk in the Woods” is such a beautiful, heart wrenching piece. The text and illustrations, standing on their own, tell such a simple, yet deep, story about the loss of a father and a child’s sense of self in the face of that loss. However, combined with the knowledge of the Grimes’ and Pinkney’s history, Pinkney’s passing, and his son’s completion of his final work just seems like so much more than happenstance. Maybe kismet or serendipity.
Grimes’ ability to encapsulate that gigantic loss into the small task of a walk in the woods is phenomenal. For a picture book, I feel like we’re able to see into the characters’ true selves, all their fears, hopes, and wishes for their loved ones. Powerful.
Perfect description “encapsulate that gigantic loss into the small task of a walk in the words” – I appreciated the focus on something small to help deal with big emotions. It was a sweet and very believable way to honor his father and feel connected even after the loss.
I think it’s okay if children don’t have all of the background for the book. Then it leaves some interpretation to the reader. This gives the reader choice about how the story will move them.
I do think readers may hurry through the text and you really need to slow down to feel this one.
Amazing collaboration and grateful we have this book to enjoy.
As an adult “griever” myself, knowing the possibility of spiritual connections and awarenesses of others are often very comforting. The backstory of A WALK IN THE WOODS deeply moves me and I am thrilled this book was published. Since my loved one died the pain and related questions are profound. I cope relying on a strong believe in a higher power and trust that all is well.
I appreciate and agree with all the comments above. Here, adults evaluate literature published for children. I have no way to even imagine how a young, “Newbery-aged” reader might respond to this book. I am so very glad to have it in my personal collection but I am responding from the perspective of an elderly adult.
A WALK IN THE WOODS is a beautifully illustrated children’s book with an incredible treasure… a story within a story. The story of human connection and memory through the experience of nature was powerful. The theme, setting, and language are distinct and award-worthy. “What was it that Dad used to say? There’s always something that remains.” What remains are italicized lessons handed down from a deceased parent to his son. Lessons that are reflected in nature: “Breathe(4) Slow down! Pay Attention! (5)Draw and write your own story. I’ll always be watching.” (30)
The poetry entitled Garter Snake, White-Tailed Deer, North East Red Fox, and Great Horned Owl had great imagery and vocabulary.
The last sentence really got me, “Dad knew I needed the walk in the woods.” All kids need to connect with nature, and the way the story connected the need to heal from loss was incredible.
I was very emotional when I read the Author’s notes, especially the note from Brian Pinkney. It seems so powerful that the story is mirrored in the illustrator’s father/son collaboration. This is a strong contender for a Caldecott honor.