Wild Outside: Around the World with Survivorman

Les Stroud has shared his love of both the outdoors and filmmaking with us on the screen on the Survivorman series. Now, in this compelling book for youth, he shares not only those adventures, but also the necessary survival skills.

Readers are taken on 12 journeys across the globe, including five in Canada. Stroud’s sense of excitement and wonder shine through as he describes everything from being chased through a swamp (and up a tree) by a bull moose to hair-raising encounters with cobras and cockroaches. In addition to the fast-paced stories, there are nature facts and practical advice for spending time outside. Each story begins with Les Stroud's humility about something he did wrong, setting the stage for learning to navigate nature with respect.

Wild Outside: Around the World with Survivorman is divided into four parts, “Prepare”, “Observe”, “React”, and “Adapt”. Each section includes an explanation of how the concept pertains to adventure travel along with three real-life adventures. Sidebars include an explanation on how to use a compass, what to do when you encounter a wild animal, and the importance of dressing in layers and writing checklists. ‘Try This at Home’ segments teach junior adventurers how to track weather patterns, tell time by the sun, and identify edible plants. He provides interesting facts about science and nature and offers simple experiments and activities for kids to try, including assembling their own survival packs. Stroud shows readers that adventure awaits everywhere, whether in a jungle or a city park.

Andrew P. Barr’s dramatic illustrations amp up the excitement and are beautifully laid out alongside photos of Survivorman’s adventures. Young readers will take away that nature is easy to understand with a little bit of time spent in it, and that they can easily learn the skills of adventuring to keep themselves safe. Wild Outside is a fun, accessible book that will hold strong appeal to kids who have an interest in the outdoors

Les Stroud's work as a filmmaker, author, and musician has been celebrated around the globe. Credited with creating the survival TV genre, Stroud remains a prolific artist focused on celebrating nature. Andrew P. Barr is an illustrator and graphic designer living on the outskirts of Toronto, Ontario.