A GOOD BOOK // Wild

You might remember this post from a while back talking about the benefits of kids getting outside and enjoying some wild time, exploring their surrounding and connecting with nature. Sounds great in theory, but for those times where heading out the door might be a bit tricky, never fear, this good book is just as fun to explore.

Wild grabs your attention with a curious and quirky close up of a wide eyed ferral child who, when left in the woods as a baby was taken in by nature and became truly wild. This brilliant debut picture book by Hawaiian author/illustrator Emily Hughes, is a nod to the iconic style of Sendak and Scarry, while applying her own quirky, fresh and unique style, creating a new classic for future generations. Each page is filled with stunning artwork, the detail creating atmosphere that draws you in to her world, where she is taught to speak by crows, to eat by bears and to play by foxes. Happy and content with her connection to nature she finds herself caught it a hunters trap, her green vine like hair tangled all around her.

As she is taken out of the woods, the illustrations take a darker turn, with chopped down trees and barren land, grey cityscapes and moody skies. Taken in by a famed psychiatrist, adults try to mould her to the norm, analysing her every move, teaching her to speak their words and attempt to undo the gifts that nature gave her. Unhappy and misunderstood, with only a Borzoi and ginger tabby who stay by her side, she heads back to nature. The parting words so beautiful.."Because you can't tame something so happily wild..." So if can't go outside for an adventure, then curl up at home and enjoy hers.

We received our copy of Wild from Imagination Adventures for review purposes. All words and thoughts are our own.