Overview
STARRED KIRKUS AND BCCB REVIEWS Join Oliver K. Woodman on his unforgettable journey across America in this beloved picture book that makes learning friendly letter writing and U.S. geography an adventure! When Uncle Ray builds a wooden man in his South Carolina workshop, he never imagines the cross-country adventure that awaits. Unable to deliver Oliver to his niece in California himself, Uncle Ray creates a sign: ""Hi! I'm Oliver K. Woodman. Please help me get to California!"" What happens next is pure magic. Kind strangers give Oliver rides, and each one sends postcards and letters back to Uncle Ray, sharing Oliver's incredible journey. From truckers in Texas to families exploring the Utah desert, Oliver's adventure unfolds through friendly letters. Perfect for elementary classrooms, this engaging story helps students: Master friendly letter writing through authentic examples Explore U.S. geography as Oliver travels from state to state Practice reading different types of correspondence Understand letter format, including dates, greetings, and closings Discover how voice and personality shine through in writing ""All geography lessons should be this much fun!"" raved the Kirkus reviewer, and it's true-Oliver's route takes readers through the American heartland, past stunning landmarks, and into the lives of fascinating people from all walks of life. Each letter reveals not just Oliver's location but the unique character of different regions across the United States. Teachers love how this book naturally integrates language arts and social studies. Students can trace Oliver's route on the map in the back of the book, write their own letters as if they've given Oliver a ride, or create postcards from different states. The authentic letter formats provide perfect models for teaching friendly letter writing conventions while keeping students engaged with the humor and heart of Oliver's adventure. This charming tale proves that sometimes the best journeys are the ones that bring people together-one letter at a time. BCCB Blue Ribbon Picture Book Awards Starred BCCB review Starred Kirkus Review Irma S. and James H. Black Picture Book Award Honor Book. Nutmeg Media Children's Picture Books on Video, June 2005. ALA Notable Video. Houghton Mifflin Journeys reading series.
Full Product Details
Author: Darcy Pattison ,
Joe Cepeda
Publisher: Mims House
Imprint: Mims House
Dimensions:
Width: 27.90cm
, Height: 0.60cm
, Length: 21.60cm
Weight: 0.472kg
ISBN: 9781629443331
ISBN 10: 1629443336
Pages: 54
Publication Date: 10 February 2026
Recommended Age: From 6 to 12 years
Audience:
Children/juvenile
,
Children / Juvenile
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Not yet available
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.
Reviews
""A fresh, unusual tale."" School Library Journal Starred review: ""Wonderful . . . All geography lessons should be this much fun.""--Kirkus Reviews Starred review: ""A mini-quest complete with adventure, danger, and suspense. Youngsters will delight in the whimsy.""--The Bulletin Irma S. and James H. Black Picture Book Award Honor Book.
Author Information
Children's book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction Children's book author and indie publisher DARCY PATTISON has written over seventy fiction and nonfiction award-winning books for children. Five books have received starred PW, Kirkus, or BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, six NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, six Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book (CA Reading Assn.), two Junior Library Guild selections, two CLA Notable Children's Book in Language Arts, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book, three Best STEM Books, an Arkansiana Award, and the Susannah DeBlack Arkansas Children's History Book award. She's the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor's Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children's literature. Her books have been translated into eleven languages.
