Pia in the Forest

In Bruggink’s debut graphic novel, a gentle early reader, young canine Pia and her father hike through a state park. Along the way, Dada introduces Pia to conservation, explaining it as recognizing in the natural world something special that’s worth protecting. But Pia grows frustrated by Dada’s leisurely pace and ventures off alone, equipped with his nature fielding audio recorder and headphones. She meets bespectacled Quinn, a squirrel-like youth who introduces Pia to skipping stones and encourages her to experience the environment through play. The two quickly exchange perspectives and tools—Pia shares the recorder while Quinn offers his binoculars—and discover new ways of engaging with the landscape. Their imaginative collaboration soon expands into crafting elaborate fairy houses from found objects including pinecones, sticks, and stones. As Pia whiles away the hours with Quinn, though, she realizes that Dada may be feeling lonely without her, launching the new friends on a reunification mission. Lush, detailed illustrations anchor the story in a vivid natural world. Domestic characterizing moments—Pia’s interrupting her father, asserting control over car-trip music, impulsively snacking on sprinkles—add humor. It’s a playful look at wilderness wonders. Back matter includes a practical primer on using field recording equipment. Ages 5–8. Agent: Abigail Frank, Greenburger Assoc. (July)