Best friends Stewie the dog and Veronika enjoy spending time together and always find ways to entertain themselves, especially at the park, a place full of interesting things to see and find. This straightforward tale of everyday fun illustrates how simple pleasures can be found anywhere, especially when accompanied by a companion who’s open to playful discoveries, like hopping like frogs or playing hide and seek. Deeply saturated digital illustrations accompany the text to render a colorful world full of excitement and adventure in this slice-of-life picture book sure to capture the attention of young readers.

The story’s told in rhyming couplets, sometimes three pairs per page, but this limits the narrative, especially when the rhymes don’t quite actually rhyme, as in a line like “The frog jumps on top of Stewie’s head,/ then off he goes onto the lilypad.” Rhyming can be a vital tool to encourage young readers to engage with a story, rewarding them for imagining ahead to anticipate the next rhyme, and an uncertain scheme like this can be frustrating. The story, meanwhile, is sweet and relaxed, without tension or plot. It’s simply a warm celebration of the kinds of fun kids can find in any park, building to an upbeat singalong ending that will naturally inspire young readers to come up with their own tune.

Young dog lovers and nature enthusiasts alike will find something to enjoy here, as Scavone offers a welcoming read for those just getting their feet with reading alone. Simple interactions with wildlife (fish and frogs included) and a day spent with a canine friend are at the heart of the joy to be found in Going to the Park. Uncomplicated characterization and dynamics make for an easier reading experience, showing young readers the small pleasures in life, like frogs, logs, and dogs.

Takeaway: Best friends enjoy a day at the park in this straightforward rhyming adventure.

Comparable Titles: Sarah Nelson’s A Park Connects Us, Cynthia Rylant’s All in a Day.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A