Ignited by a curiosity for what resides on the other side of the deep dark forest by their home, Arthur and his father come up with an idea to find out once and for all. On the Other Side of the Forest is a book that will spark curiosity, creative thinking, and conversations about perseverance and the power of collaboration. These themes are excellent tools to launch students into design thinking and working together to strategize and solve problems in the Applied Design, Skills, and Technology curriculum.  In English Language Arts, this story demonstrates how curiosity and wonder lead us to new discoveries about the world around us and the importance of learning about others’ perspectives. Students might consider the perspectives of those living on either side of the forest and how their views and misconceptions might be changed when they consider different perspectives.

66 pp., 8 × 11", colour illustrations

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Nadine Robert is a Canadian author and publisher. She began her career as a video game designer and director of animated films. Her first picture book, "Joseph Fipps" (Enchanted Lion) received a STARRED review from Publishers Weekly. Cofounder of publishing house Comme des geants, she has always had a strong passion for children’s illustrated books. She holds degrees in Education and Literature and she has translated a few picture books to French. She lives in Montreal Canada with her family.

Nadine Robert's profile page

Gérard DuBois' profile page

A 2021 New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book

A 2022 USBBY OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL BOOK

“[On the Other Side of the Forest] feels like a vintage gem.”
—New York Times

“Storytelling by Robert and restrained, classically drafted spreads by DuBois offer... suspense and drama along the way. An epigraph from artist Ai Weiwei underscores the value of smart collective action—a potentially dry theory that Robert and DuBois bring to life with absorbing storytelling.”
—Publishers Weekly STARRED Review

“[The] family structure, the cooperative community, and the quality of the precisely inked and colored art combine for a riveting read.”
—Kirkus Reviews STARRED Review

“The charming text and dreamy artwork... convey the quality of an old-fashioned folktale, while the intricate details recall the extraordinary structures built by the characters in Arthur Geisert’s pig books.”
—Booklist

“A heartwarming tale of a rabbit father and son and their decision to venture into the scary forest behind their house.”
—Quill & Quire

“Are there really wolves and ogres and giant badgers in the forest? No one knows because no one ever goes into those dark and scary woods. You’ll have to read this fanciful picture book if you want to know … and pay special attention to Dubois’s illustrations because they’re an enormous part of the fun.”
—Globe and Mail

“A must-have picture book! This endearing tale offers the opportunity to discuss what it means to help others and never give up. Recommended.”
—School Library Connections