Expedition Backyard: Exploring Nature from Country to City

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

Join two best friends—a mole and vole—on their everyday expeditions to find beautiful plants, meet new animals, and learn more about the world all around them in this nonfiction graphic novel.

Each day, Mole and Vole venture out into the world – never forgetting their nature journal! – to see what they can find in their own backyard. From pigeons and jumping spiders to swamp milkweed and maple trees, these two explorers get to know every part of their local environment. But after an accidental move from the country to the city, Mole and Vole worry that everything will be different. As they explore, they discover plants to look at and animals to meet in their new home as well.

The story of these two best friends brings to life a nonfiction adventure of finding wonder in nature everywhere – no matter where you live. This book concludes with fun activities for kids to do at home.

About the Author

Rosemary Mosco makes books that connect people with the natural world. She co-wrote The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide, a NYT Best Seller. She speaks at bird watching festivals and writes for Audubon and the PBS kids’ show Elinor Wonders Why. She tweets @rosemarymosco. 

Binglin Hu is a cartoonist, illustrator, and designer. Their work pulls inspiration from wildlife, fashion, mythology, and their lived experiences as a queer second-generation Chinese-American immigrant. Binglin’s day job is graphic design at the National Aquarium. They tweet at @binglinhu.

Author Residence: New England

Author Hometown: Ottawa, Canada

Binglin Hu is a cartoonist, illustrator, and designer. Their work pulls inspiration from wildlife, fashion, mythology, and their lived experiences as a queer second-generation Chinese-American immigrant. Binglin’s day job is graphic design at the National Aquarium. They tweet at @binglinhu.  

Illustrator Residence: Baltimore, MD

Illustrator Hometown: Plymouth, MN