Carefully excerpted entries from Thoreau's journals concerning his third and earlier trips into the wilderness of Maine provide valuable insights from this reverent observer of nature. Murphy's note about the text indicates that he tried to use a light hand when creating transitions and other necessary alterations within Thoreau's original writing. The brief passages written in third person are effectively illustrated with Kiesler's oil paintings and pencil drawings. (Ages 10-16)

Between 1846 and 1852 Henry David Thoreau, along with a friend and a guide, set off on four separate canoe and hiking trips into the deep forest of Maine. His goal was to reach the peak of Mount Ktaadn, the second highest mountain in New England. Thoreau, a noted natural biologist, recorded every sight, sound, and smell of the untouched wilderness that he fondly referred to as "all mossy and moosey." Using Thoreau's words as much as possible, Jim Murphy invites young readers to experience the thrill and adventure of struggling against rapids, pushing through dense forest undergrowth, and finally reaching the mountaintop. The highly illustrated format brings the wilderness to life, introducing young children to an important American and his writing. Author's notes.