{"product_id":"wide-open-spaces-9798989858842","title":"Wide Open Spaces","description":"\u003cb\u003eEmbark on a wild and whimsical road trip when a cramped family car transforms into a child's mindful, imaginative escape. With each mile, nature's wonders offer relief, turning restless moments into a journey of calm, curiosity, and learning the joys of paying attention to the present.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eGram's words echo in my ear, \"Not long now.\"\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eSo begins an epic journey to Grandma's house, squeezed in a car with four siblings, two parents, and one furry drooler named Daisy. Mile after mile, there are snack bags and bathroom breaks, curvy roads and upset stomachs, and \"How much longer?\" set on repeat. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eI close my eyes and imagine . . .\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhat would it be like to dash like a roadrunner? Glide like an owl? Buzz like a bee? Stretch out wide in a natural, open space? \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eFocusing on the sights, sounds, and smells of the variety of environments outside the cramped car soothes the narrator's growing frustration. As they channel the calming power of mindfulness and the magnificence of nature, a tedious trip becomes sweet, silly, and even sublime. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eLyrical language and illustrations both hilarious and heartfelt tell the story of a journey made (nearly) as enjoyable as the destination. Along the way, readers will realize that a small shift in perspective can ease their own journey through the challenges and uncertainties that every day presents.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Robyn McGrath\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Blue Dot Kids Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 05\/12\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 32\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.00lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.10h x 10.50w x 0.50d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798989858842\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAudience:\u003c\/b\u003e Ages 4-8\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview Citation(s): \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e 02\/01\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e 04\/01\/2026 pg. 63\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e 05\/01\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eRobyn McGrath\u003c\/b\u003e is the author of both fiction and nonfiction picture books for children. Her titles include \u003ci\u003eDolly! The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream; A Mind of Her Own: The Story of Agatha Christie; Brave New Ballet: The Story of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eThere's Always Room for One More\u003c\/i\u003e, a 2024 CBC Librarian Favorite. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether she's writing fiction or nonfiction, McGrath hopes her books inspire curiosity, spark joy, and encourage empathy and awareness. When she is not writing, she works as a play therapist helping children and parents regulate big emotions and find mindful moments. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, two children, a Labrador retriever, and a friendly cat they found camping. Visit her at robynmcgrathwrites.com. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003ePolina Gortman\u003c\/b\u003e is a children's book illustrator based near Seattle, Washington. Gortman's artwork is an amalgam of digital watercolor, ink, and colored pencil. She enjoys drawing nature, kids, and animals. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games with her family and exploring the evergreen trails of the Pacific Northwest. Visit her at www.gortmanillustration.com.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"booksdeli.com","offers":[{"title":"Robyn McGrath \/ Hardcover \/ English","offer_id":48363909120157,"sku":"9798989858842","price":22.74,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5648\/9373\/files\/img_03d63326-0785-4016-b129-06e0b353f23f.jpg?v=1780429587","url":"https:\/\/booksdeli.com\/products\/wide-open-spaces-9798989858842","provider":"booksdeli.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}