The Wild, written and illustrated by Yuval Zommer. Doubleday, Penguin Random House. 2023. $24.00 ages 4 and up

"The Wild could be still. 
When the Wild slept, so did 
bears and bats and seeds and 
trees. 

The Wild always wanted to give. 
It gave twigs for sparrows to 
make their nests ... "

I think we can all agree that we do need hope for the Earth's future. As strong winds, extreme heat, and a growing number of wildfires continue to burn, an environmental story like this one offers what we need to know. Yuval Zommer has dedicated it 'to the Wild in all of us'. 

There was a time when the Wild was not so far from each of us. There was a place for all the plants and animals who lived there. It was extensive, and stretched from shorelines to the deepest part of the ocean. It could be windy and wonderful, moving from season to season. Animals of air, land and sea had their space in it, quietly welcoming and providing peace for all. 

As people arrived, they cared for the Wild and it cared for them. 

"The Wild is so huge and giving that, there will always be 
enough for us," they said."

It didn't take long until the changes wrought by people who didn't give back created enormous problems in the Wild by taking too much. Plowing, mining, draining, burning, dumping, building changed the landscape; forests and ice formations started to disappear. It took a child to notice that the changes were making the Wild sick. No need for help, the people said. The child began to worry ... until the Wild had nothing left to give. 

The boy used his voice to make people take notice. Soon, others joined him and made their voices heard as well. It is a reminder to all that change must happen in our homes, our cities, and in the Wild. Only then, will the Wild give again. The Wild can only give when we give something back; an exceptionally important lesson to be learned. Healing is possible, if we all do what we can to show we care. 

The wonderful artwork creates a world filled with color and natural beauty, the diversity that is our planet and the destruction of its many resources. Its message is for all of us, children and caregivers alike. Then, take the time to talk about and find ways to make a difference where you are.