EXPLORING IS NOT FOR ME!

George the dog steps out of his comfort zone while camping with his friends in Jean’s picture book.

George and his sister Gemma are going on adventure with their Mumzie, a human child with blond hair and fair skin, to the local campground. The only problem? George says, “Exploring is NOT for me!” He has no interest in roughing it (he’s frustrated by his uncomfortable camp bed), even when all his canine friends join in. He declines to join Gemma’s team for a treasure hunt, but when she leaves her special spy glasses behind, he braves the outdoors to return them to her. While outside, he spots an eider duck and gets an idea for finding one of the last treasures Gemma needs. He strikes out on his own, overcoming obstacles like freezing cold water by concentrating on Gemma and the hunt’s prize: a tent full of treats. Jean’s debut picture book is an entertaining narrative about stepping out of familiar routines to help others. Gemma’s excitement and the many treats are their own reward; the way things come full circle with George’s improved bed at the story’s end is the icing on top. Shin’s illustrations are colorful, expressive, and contain hidden letters of the alphabet that add to the re-readability of this delightful text.

A great choice for dog-loving preschoolers hesitant to try something new.