The Adventures of Syd: A Trail of Trouble
By Danielle Simone (Creative Minds Publications, 2024)
Genre: Juvenile Fiction – Nature/Science.
Pages (Print): 82
Via: Author request
Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book for honest review.
Kimber: You know that Julie Andrews tune? The one from that “Music Sound” movie thingy? Where Julie, as “Fraulien Maria,” is waxing lyrical about a few of her favorite things? That’s kinda what this book is like.
“Syd” (or Sydney) is a precocious nine-year old girl. She lives in Virginia with her Dad, Dr. Gardener, and her fabulous blue heeler, Goose. Dr. Garndener is a scientist. When he asks Syd if she and Goode would like to join him on a hiking/’backpacking/camping trip to inspect insect damage to Eastern Hemlocks, Syd doesn’t have to be asked twice. She and Goose are packed up and ready to go before you can say “Bow Wow” in this delightful children’s story by Danielle Simone.
Syd, Goose, and Syd’s dad soon hit the trails of Nelson County, Virginia. Dr. Gardener is on assignment to find out what is attacking Hemlock trees, a sign of global warming. Unfortunately, trouble meets them all along the hike thanks to mishaps with animals, nature, and camping locations. Will Syd and her dog overcome these obstacles to help Dr. Gardener discover the cause of the attack?
This book includes family togetherness. Learning about nature and recreating responsibly. Why non-native plant and animal species are problematic. Camping and campfires. Goose’s “dog cave.” Why stinging nettle is not your friend. Why mud and “onion cups” are. Throw, flick, lift, throw. (Mom: “I’m seein’ Paulie and A River Runs Through It here.) Leave no trace camping. DIY vanilla pudding. Also “instant grits.” (Kimber: I guess hoomans actually eat that stuff?)
There’s also some botany. Nature. Hiking and history. Camping! The Appalachian Trail! Science, astronomy, engineering, and map reading skills. Even a little Latin. (Kimber: See? A few of our favorite things….)
This story is like a sunny afternoon at the park — short enough to fit between lunch and dinner, but packed with learning, adventure, and discoveries that stay in your head all day. With short, easily digestible sentences and a clever, engaging plot, The Adventures of Syd is a green‑thumb adventure young readers can finish in an afternoon or less. It would make an excellent read-aloud or bedtime story as well as a springboard for further discussion about science and nature. It would also make a welcome addition to any school or home library.
The Adventures of Syd is Book I in the Adventures of Syd series. We loved it! You will, too!
