Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. ( )

Three friends get tripped up when they try to compete instead of cooperate. This is the second book I've tried in this series, but I don't think I'll bother with any of the rest. The characters don't have much personality, the stories are heavy handed, and the art is a bit ugly. ( )

Bear, Moose and Beaver, those three friends whose adventures have been chronicled by Canadian picture-book author and artist Nicholas Oldland in four previous picture-books, return in this fifth story. As they hike to the top of the mountain one day, the animals' competitive nature gets the better of them, and they turn it into a race. When disaster strikes however, they must all work together, eventually learning that they enjoy their outing more when they are experiencing it together...

Although I did enjoy Walk on the Wild Side, I'm not sure that it was quite as amusing as its predecessors, particularly Big Bear Hug, which was simply giggle-inducing in its hilarity. All of Oldland's books have a message to impart, but this one felt a little too on the nose in its didacticism, to the detriment of the story. Still, it was engaging enough, and young fans of these characters will undoubtedly enjoy another outing with them. For my part, I still intend to track down the sixth installment of the series, One Wild Christmas. ( )

Cute picture story.

( )

Walk on the Wild Side is a story about a beaver, moose and bear who are great friends. They like to go on adventures together and end up hiking on a mountain. They decide to race up the mountain, but things turn from bad to worse. First moose has a problem and when bear tries to help he makes it worse. Fortunately beaver hears their cries for help and turns around and comes back. A great lesson about friendship and helping each other being worth more than winning. The artwork is simple but cute with realistic colours for the animals. You need to watch for the little red bird throughout the story. The text is clear and simple to read so it will be easily accessible to young children. Great lessons to learn told in a fun way.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. ( )