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Creating My Vision
Ichi-ban Goes Hiking follows an adventurous pup and her mommy as they explore mountain trails, celebrating the joy of nature and discovery, and the unbreakable bond between a dog and her family. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Ichi-ban was my first dog (1996-2010) and we shared many adventures hiking together in Colorado. She continues to live in my heart and one morning in the winter of 2024, as I was sitting quietly after breakfast, she started speaking in my head. “Hi! My name is Ichi-ban! I know, it’s a funny name…” I grabbed a notebook and kept on writing and in less than thirty minutes I had the first draft of Ichi-ban Goes Hiking.
Within a few days, I found myself with the drafts for three books and it was just a matter creating my vision for them and then slowly bringing them to fruition. I feel like these books are the perfect coming together of my love of dogs, kids, nature, writing, and graphic design.
How do your own outdoor adventures influence the book’s storytelling?
Everything that I write about in the book actually happened, although sometimes simplified a bit to be suitable for a children’s book.
What message do you hope young readers take away from Ichi-ban’s journey?
The outdoors, and life, are a fun adventure. Sure, you might make some mistakes from time to time as you learn, but that’s okay and part of growing up. You can still go on to have more fun.
Do you have plans for more adventures featuring Ichi-ban in the future?
There are three books out now and, at the moment, Ichi-ban’s adventures feel complete.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
READERS’ FAVORITE 5-STAR SEAL RECIPIENT
Life lessons all wrapped up in a fun and furry package!
Join Ichi-ban as she shares about her adventures hiking in the Colorado Rocky Mountains while growing from a puppy into a big, strong hiking dog. Her name means “number one best” and she and her human mommy are each other’s number one best hiking buddies.
Kids will love Ichi-ban’s relatable and enthusiastic personality as they follow her adventures, learning life lessons and exploring the world along the way. At the end of the day, Ichi-ban gets a bath, eats dinner and curls up in her cozy bed ready for dreams, just like her reading companions.
Beautifully illustrated and told from Ichi-ban’s perspective, this story will engage animal and nature-loving children of all ages. And every adventure is inspired by actual events!
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Ichi-ban Goes Hiking
What’s better than enjoying the great outdoors with loved ones? For Ichi-ban the dog, nothing comes close! From snowy peaks to sunlit trails, Ichi-ban Goes Hiking by Julie Maurer invites readers to join this lovable pup and her mommy on a delightful journey through the mountains, brimming with adventure and discovery.
This charming children’s book captures the spirit of exploration through Ichi-ban’s cheerful eyes. The name “Ichi-ban” means “the best” in Japanese, and it suits her perfectly. Told from the perspective of the fluffy, upbeat dog, the story pulls you in from the first page, making you feel like part of their outdoor escapades. The warm narration and playful tone are as inviting as the breathtaking landscapes. The book also emphasizes a deep respect for nature.
Ichi-ban’s optimistic outlook shines through even in moments that could have been scary. She turns every step of the journey into a chance for joy and wonder, creating a narrative that feels both exciting and reassuring. The bond between Ichi-ban and her human parents is another standout. Their love is pure and inspiring, a testament to the special connection between animals and their families. Paired with stunning illustrations of the mountains, majestic and vibrant, it’s easy to lose yourself in the beauty of their world. The landscapes brought back memories of my own outdoor adventures, making the book feel even more personal.
Ichi-ban Goes Hiking is a delightful tale that is a must-read for dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Perfect for readers of all ages, it’s an ideal choice for family story time or solo exploration into Ichi-ban’s world. Packed with warmth, adventure, and heart, this book will leave you ready to lace up your hiking boots and head for the trails. Ichi-ban will be waiting!
Pages: 47 | ISBN: 1734681365
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