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The Quiet Forest
When a small action creates a snowball effect that disrupts the peace of the animals, the forest and a bear cub restore order once more in this delightfully funny picture book.
A mischievous mouse wanders alone in a quiet, nothing-to-do forest. Until one small mishap snowballs into a chain of outrageous events, causing the whole forest full of animals to have a very loud day indeed. Can they find a way to bring calm and quiet back to their home?
A mischievous mouse wanders alone in a quiet, nothing-to-do forest. Until one small mishap snowballs into a chain of outrageous events, causing the whole forest full of animals to have a very loud day indeed. Can they find a way to bring calm and quiet back to their home?
40 pages, Hardcover
Published March 12, 2024
About the author
Charlotte Offsay
8 books112 followersCharlotte Offsay was born in England, grew up in Boston, and currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two small children. Born into a family with a love of travel and adventure, Charlotte enjoys exploring new places and cultures. She is a former corporate finance client specialist who now spends her days caring for her family, volunteering in her local community, traveling, and using her experiences to fuel her true passion: writing.
Through her work, Charlotte hopes to make children laugh, to inspire curiosity, and to create a magical world her readers can lose themselves in time and time again.
Her debut picture book, The Big Beach Cleanup, will be published by Albert Whitman in March 2021, followed by How to Return a Monster releasing Fall 2021 with Beaming Books. A Grandma's Magic, will be published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House in Spring 2022.
For more information visit www.charlotteoffsay.com. She is represented by Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary.
Through her work, Charlotte hopes to make children laugh, to inspire curiosity, and to create a magical world her readers can lose themselves in time and time again.
Her debut picture book, The Big Beach Cleanup, will be published by Albert Whitman in March 2021, followed by How to Return a Monster releasing Fall 2021 with Beaming Books. A Grandma's Magic, will be published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House in Spring 2022.
For more information visit www.charlotteoffsay.com. She is represented by Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 11, 2024
The mouse is a menace to society!
March 19, 2024
This is a charming and satisfying story that kids will love to read. The cumulative text is full of onomatopoeia and understated humor, while the illustrations have lots of funny details that will allow readers to savor the unfolding chaos on each page. As the animals first stir each other up, then help each other to calm down, the once-quiet-then-noisy forest settles to an acceptable volume level as the animals engage with each other. A funny and delightful read!
March 4, 2024
I adore this amusing chaotic story of how one thing leads to another and it all starts with a little mischievous mouse who thought the forest was too quiet. I had so much fun looking for the mouse on every page among the mayhem he started when he swung on a vine and landed, splat, in the middle of Rabbit's stack of pancakes.
I love how the chaos grows on every page and so does the noise, causing the quiet forest to become increasingly not so quiet. Who knew there were so many talented animals. My favorite is the artistic moose. Kids are sure to laugh when they see his painting hanging from his antlers. Parents and children will love the story and how it builds to include a bellowing bear, a miserable moose, a drenched deer, a bothered beaver, a rattled rabbit, a mischievous mouse having a very loud day, and Momma Bear's cute little cub who finds a way to settle them all down, so the forest isn’t too loud or too quiet.
And just when the reader thinks the story is over, we see Little Cub grabbing and tree vine, just like Little Mouse did at the beginning of the book. Kids will slap their foreheads and say, "Oh, no." and everyone will wonder what chaos little cub is going to cause. Great ending for this action-packed book.
Of course, Abi Cushman's illustrations are wonderfully artistic and perfect for helping Charlotte tell this hilarious, adventurous story.
I love how the chaos grows on every page and so does the noise, causing the quiet forest to become increasingly not so quiet. Who knew there were so many talented animals. My favorite is the artistic moose. Kids are sure to laugh when they see his painting hanging from his antlers. Parents and children will love the story and how it builds to include a bellowing bear, a miserable moose, a drenched deer, a bothered beaver, a rattled rabbit, a mischievous mouse having a very loud day, and Momma Bear's cute little cub who finds a way to settle them all down, so the forest isn’t too loud or too quiet.
And just when the reader thinks the story is over, we see Little Cub grabbing and tree vine, just like Little Mouse did at the beginning of the book. Kids will slap their foreheads and say, "Oh, no." and everyone will wonder what chaos little cub is going to cause. Great ending for this action-packed book.
Of course, Abi Cushman's illustrations are wonderfully artistic and perfect for helping Charlotte tell this hilarious, adventurous story.
February 17, 2024
What an adorable, funny, well written and illustrated book! There is SO much to love here. The language is both simple and a precise puzzle (how???) that lands at a super satisfying read. The plot builds and builds and is NOT predictable at all. The illustrations add a whole other layer that children will linger over, enjoying discovering new little hidden jokes. If you are a fan of the IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE series, you will love this (although, honestly, this is better!!) High recommended!
January 24, 2024
This story is perfect for kids who enjoy peace and quiet, as well as kids who prefer chaos. There are both in this book, along with the message that we can find a balance between too-quiet and too-chaotic. The repetition and alliteration are delightful, as are the humorous illustrations.
December 19, 2023
Lovely story with adorable illustrations!
March 1, 2024
This is a read that grabs listeners' attentions, has them giggling, and even will have some joining to 'read' along.
A mouse wanders through the forest and finds something, which inspires to a bit of mischief. What starts out as a rude but isolated incident, takes an unexpected turn...which leads to something even worse. A hilarious chain reaction soon has the entire area of the forest in an uproar until a sudden gesture changes everything.
The little mouse with its backpack seems harmless and cute, at first, so when it suddenly does something slightly mean, it flips the entire atmosphere on its head and rolls right into a delightful, mounting chaos. The animals' surprise and reactions come across wonderfully in the illustrations and guarantee giggles as they helplessly find everything going crazy around them. The illustrator has built in some traits and objects from the 'human' world, making each moment that much more familiar and sillier. Even flipping through the illustrations without the text will bring smiles.
While the illustrative side adds the right humorous twist, the text cleverly plays its own game. It presents the tale to make sure its clear what's happening but creates a light-hearted repetition, which builds with each scene. It invites readers to join in, especially since this is one of those books, which will be getting that ever-loved word 'again'.
Making sure goodness settles in, a heart-warming solution opens the door to friendship with an unexpectedly simple gesture. It brings calming forgiveness and care as it makes sure to settle things back down...but not without leaving off with a last, fun twist.
I do see this one becoming a favorite for some listeners. I received a DRC and am planning on picking it up for some little readers around me.
A mouse wanders through the forest and finds something, which inspires to a bit of mischief. What starts out as a rude but isolated incident, takes an unexpected turn...which leads to something even worse. A hilarious chain reaction soon has the entire area of the forest in an uproar until a sudden gesture changes everything.
The little mouse with its backpack seems harmless and cute, at first, so when it suddenly does something slightly mean, it flips the entire atmosphere on its head and rolls right into a delightful, mounting chaos. The animals' surprise and reactions come across wonderfully in the illustrations and guarantee giggles as they helplessly find everything going crazy around them. The illustrator has built in some traits and objects from the 'human' world, making each moment that much more familiar and sillier. Even flipping through the illustrations without the text will bring smiles.
While the illustrative side adds the right humorous twist, the text cleverly plays its own game. It presents the tale to make sure its clear what's happening but creates a light-hearted repetition, which builds with each scene. It invites readers to join in, especially since this is one of those books, which will be getting that ever-loved word 'again'.
Making sure goodness settles in, a heart-warming solution opens the door to friendship with an unexpectedly simple gesture. It brings calming forgiveness and care as it makes sure to settle things back down...but not without leaving off with a last, fun twist.
I do see this one becoming a favorite for some listeners. I received a DRC and am planning on picking it up for some little readers around me.
June 4, 2024
Richie’s Picks: THE QUIET FOREST by Charlotte Offsay and Abi Cushman, ill., Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman, March 2024, 40p., ISBN: 978-1-6659-2642-3
“Watching and waiting
For a friend to play with”
– Justin Hayward/Ray Thomas (1969)
A generation after leading my last circle times, I still sit up straight, and start excitedly re-reading (out loud this time), when I encounter one of those perfect, high-spirited, circle time reads. And this is it. Lot’s of gross motor action! Lively, vividly-illustrated woodland characters! Lots of good-natured trouble! Lots of juicy adjectives! Goofy as heck! And certainly not the least bit quiet!
“A mischievous mouse,
a rattled rabbit,
a bothered beaver,
and a drenched deer
in an increasingly noisy forest.
And all of the deer’s springing…
…bumps a moose.
(Spring!) (Grunt!)”
It’s all the fault of the mouse! Attired in a purple backpack, he leaps from a rock, grabs a hanging vine, swings through the forest, and lands squarely atop the rabbit’s perfect stack of pancakes, fruit, and whipped cream. When the uninvited breakfast guest absconds with the plate of yummy food, the rabbit makes its own share of mess as it lights out after the mouse.
This is a laugh-out-loud cumulative story that works its way up through the smaller critters to the bear, the bear cub, and the swinging, singing forest. It concludes with the series of disasters all cleaned up, and everyone happily chowing down on pancakes. Good, clean, sticky and yummy fun that put a big grin on my face.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
[email protected]
“Watching and waiting
For a friend to play with”
– Justin Hayward/Ray Thomas (1969)
A generation after leading my last circle times, I still sit up straight, and start excitedly re-reading (out loud this time), when I encounter one of those perfect, high-spirited, circle time reads. And this is it. Lot’s of gross motor action! Lively, vividly-illustrated woodland characters! Lots of good-natured trouble! Lots of juicy adjectives! Goofy as heck! And certainly not the least bit quiet!
“A mischievous mouse,
a rattled rabbit,
a bothered beaver,
and a drenched deer
in an increasingly noisy forest.
And all of the deer’s springing…
…bumps a moose.
(Spring!) (Grunt!)”
It’s all the fault of the mouse! Attired in a purple backpack, he leaps from a rock, grabs a hanging vine, swings through the forest, and lands squarely atop the rabbit’s perfect stack of pancakes, fruit, and whipped cream. When the uninvited breakfast guest absconds with the plate of yummy food, the rabbit makes its own share of mess as it lights out after the mouse.
This is a laugh-out-loud cumulative story that works its way up through the smaller critters to the bear, the bear cub, and the swinging, singing forest. It concludes with the series of disasters all cleaned up, and everyone happily chowing down on pancakes. Good, clean, sticky and yummy fun that put a big grin on my face.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
[email protected]
November 16, 2024
The Quiet Forest
by Charlotte Offsay
Illustrated by Abi Cushman
A Paula Wiseman Book
An Imprint of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
2024
32 pages
ISBN: 9781665926423
A mischievous mouse sets this story in motion in a cumulative tale about a not-so-quiet forest. The mouse rattles the rabbit which bothers the beaver who soaks the deer who bumps a giant moose which wakes the bear from her den.
The hero of the story is the bear cub who quiets his mama who then calms down. The forest gets a little more quiet but not too quiet. The animals "sing" in their lovely forest.
Beautiful illustrations by Abi Cushman capture each animal's personality and feelings. The deer looks startled, the bear looks angry with her "serious side-eye," and the moose looks miserable indeed.
Readers will love the interactions of the animals with each other and the fact that they are all friends in the forest. Parents can follow up with a few non-fiction (but fun) picture books on forest creatures mentioned in The Quiet Forest. Readers who live near forests can attest that forests are not usually quiet at all.
Recommended pre-K to grade 2. Ages 3 and up.
by Charlotte Offsay
Illustrated by Abi Cushman
A Paula Wiseman Book
An Imprint of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
2024
32 pages
ISBN: 9781665926423
A mischievous mouse sets this story in motion in a cumulative tale about a not-so-quiet forest. The mouse rattles the rabbit which bothers the beaver who soaks the deer who bumps a giant moose which wakes the bear from her den.
The hero of the story is the bear cub who quiets his mama who then calms down. The forest gets a little more quiet but not too quiet. The animals "sing" in their lovely forest.
Beautiful illustrations by Abi Cushman capture each animal's personality and feelings. The deer looks startled, the bear looks angry with her "serious side-eye," and the moose looks miserable indeed.
Readers will love the interactions of the animals with each other and the fact that they are all friends in the forest. Parents can follow up with a few non-fiction (but fun) picture books on forest creatures mentioned in The Quiet Forest. Readers who live near forests can attest that forests are not usually quiet at all.
Recommended pre-K to grade 2. Ages 3 and up.
May 1, 2024
BEAR SNORES ON is one of my all-time picture books and THE QUIET FOREST by @picturebookrecommendations and @abi.cushman feels like a sweet homage to the classic story. Like BEAR SNORES ON, this story begins with a mouse trying to find his way through the forest. This mouse isn’t trying to get out of the cold though. Instead he’s up for a little mischief. Along his way, he encounters more animals and sets off a chain reaction of noise. Unfortunately all the noise wakes up…you guessed it…a sleeping bear and her cub. I won’t spoil the surprise ending, but let’s just say bear cubs who wake early aren’t that different than small children who wake up early and are ready for fun. This story is so delightful and funny. Adults will love its classic appeal and kids will love its whimsy and humor. #readaloud #kidslit #humor #bearstory #foreststory #readaloud
September 24, 2024
Readers will enjoy the hilarity of forest animals getting more and more disorderly at each page turn, and parents and teachers will appreciate how the forest returns to a calmer state as the animals help each other focus again. Lots of teachable moments around alliteration (“rattled rabbit,” “drenched deer”) and personification as the animals enjoy human activities, like a moose painting a canvas and a beaver making architectural drawings. This fun read aloud will have kids predicting what calamity will happen to the next animal – all started by the mischief of one little mouse. Cushman’s drawings are adorable and humorous as always, and readers will love tracking the mouse throughout the book.
July 1, 2024
What a hilarious book that started with one small action from a mischievous mouse that snowballs multiple mishaps that turn a once quiet forest into a very loud one... that is until one kind act from a young bear that ripples back through every affected animal and calms the forest back to its quiet state. I love all the illustration clues and details that hint at what will happen in the next spread, and the funny reactions of each animal too. This book is full of charm and humor, and a fun read-aloud! Kids will definitely want multiple readings of this!
January 11, 2024
A mischievous mouse causes a chain reaction of escalating mayhem and irritation in a quiet forest. A sweet action from the littlest of the littlest leads to goodwill in everyone--something that will delight young readers. A story about how a small irritation can lead to bigger and bigger ones and how one act of grace can change this trajectory. Cushman illustrates with her trademark wacky humor which will have kids giggling.
February 18, 2024
Super fun and original take on a cumulative story structure! A mischievous mouse causes mayhem among his neighbors in the quiet forest, until one of the youngest animals creates calm with an unexpected move, and the twists unwind. Illustrations hint at what's to come, until the final spread features lots of surprises. Clever alliteration makes this a fun read aloud. Illustrations show the animals in hilarious reactions, and help the story build. Keep your eye on that mouse!
March 9, 2024
I'm a huge fan of Charlotte Offsay's books (check out A GRANDMA'S MAGIC if you haven't yet) and adored Abi Cushman's animal illustrations in her book SOAKED!, so this feels like a perfect author/illustrator pairing in THE QUIET FOREST. This sing-song cumulative story is so much fun for littles and is sure to have classrooms full of kids chanting along. The details in the illustrations add so much fun. We had to preorder this one to add to our home library!
March 18, 2024
The quiet forest is a fabulous read aloud! The onomatopoeia, the cumulative structure, and alliterative animals all add to the read aloud experience. My littles loved getting louder and then quieter with the scenes and characters, as well as acting out their reactions. The cumulative structure also adds a lot of fun and ability for the kids to anticipate what happens next. Love the adorable animals!
April 4, 2024
The Quiet Forest is a rousing tale of a small mouse that starts a chain of events that changes a quiet forest into a very noisy place. Charlotte Offsay's accumulative story is full of fun, alliterative language that makes for a great read aloud! Abi Cushman's delighful illustrations being the characters to life as one-by-one they create havoc in the tranquil forest until they collectively find themselves in Bear's den and she is not happy about the visitors! Uh-oh! What will they do now?
March 7, 2024
Adorable take on a cumulative story that not only builds to chaos but successfully brings everything back to calm. With Charlotte Offsay's rhythmic, repeating text, and Abi Cushman's signature whimsical animal illustrations, this book is sure to stand up to countless lap reads. A warm-hearted winner.
April 1, 2024
A wonderful read aloud with plenty of action for young readers to enjoy. I love the culmination of events that grow and grow, and the message to stop and listen to nature to calm and ground us. The circular narrative creates an inclusive and kind ending, and Cushman's illustrations, as always, bring Offsay's characters alive on the page.
April 13, 2024
Right from the start, with the quiet title juxtaposed with peeking critters, anticipation builds as the forest gets louder and messier! Alliteration and onomatopoeia complement this silly cumulative tale that has oodles of story in the illustrations. A beautiful blend of text, art, sweet, silly, quiet, and noisy. A read-aloud winner!
September 20, 2024
How can one small creature create such an uproar? This book is about the chaos that results when a small mouse is off to find adventure. His fun romp through the woods causes mishaps among the forest animals. This cumulative story invites children to engage with the text and read along with reader.
September 30, 2024
What a lovely cumulative story about animals in the forest. It starts with a mischievious mouse who disturbs a rabbit and so on and so forth until the forest is so noisy that a resting bear is disturbed. Author Charlotte Offsay deftly brings the story back around with each animal calming each other. And Abi Cushman's illustrations are beyond adorable. A story kids will surely love!
May 15, 2024
This is one of those picture books you can read over and over again -- so many fun things to see and laugh about. That pesky mouse starts a rolicking story! Fun for grownups and kids. Not sure I could use this in large storytimes, but a fun book to share one-on-one.
June 28, 2024
A fun read about a little mouse in a quiet forest who upends the quiet in a mischievous way. And soon, in a cumulative fashion, the forest is definitely noisy. With fun onomatopoeia and alliteration, this book is a perfect read aloud to get kids giggling. And the art is adorable, too.
July 24, 2024
A super fun read aloud for kids (and adults) or all ages! This book hits the sweet spot in a perfect blend of playfulness, humor and heart. This book is a must-have for all homes, classrooms and libraries. Kids will beg to read it again and again!
September 27, 2024
The humor and adorable art in this book will make it one kids turn to again and again. It's amazing the mishaps that little mouse sets off during a "quiet, nothing-to-do" outing in the forest. I think it's hilarious, the chain reaction, and also the art choices such as the moose who paints!
March 11, 2024
Cute add-on story. Lots of mischief for kids to laugh.
March 13, 2024
Love this forest romp that starts with one mischievous mouse! Cushman's fun art is a perfect pairing with Offsay's clever story. A perfect spring title!
Read
March 13, 2024Turn/Level: 1/3
The Forest, Forest Animals, Bothering Eachother, Alliteration, Community, Teamwork
The Forest, Forest Animals, Bothering Eachother, Alliteration, Community, Teamwork
March 21, 2024
This one surprised me with the ending!
Repetitive story that builds on each page - I love the adjectives that are used!
Repetitive story that builds on each page - I love the adjectives that are used!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews