Total Pageviews

Monday, September 26, 2016

Finding Wild, written by Megan Wagner Lloyd with pictures by Abigail Halpin. Alfred A Knopf, Random House. 2016. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"Wild is full of smells - fresh mint, ancient cave, sun-baked desert, sharp pine, salt sea. Every scent begging you to drink it in.

Wild is forest-fire hot and icicle cold."

After singing the praises of Scott Sampson's How To Raise A Wild Child, I thought it would be appropriate to share this book that shows readers how close the wonder of the wild is, even if you live in the city.

Two youngsters explore the wild that is in close proximity to a subway entrance by wandering through the dense foliage they find there.  It leads them down a path where they notice wild things, both tiny and tall. There is an island-filled lake, a mountain path, gentle breezes, warm sunshine, a shoreline that begs a bracing swim. 'Wild' surrounds them with wonder, and they take the time to notice and appreciate it.

Abigail Halpin uses watercolor and colored pencils to  create lovely landscapes sure to entice and encourage exploration. Whether it's warm sunshine or stormy skies, readers will be tempted to be part of the many experiences that being in the wild offers. Senses are fully engaged whether smelling the mint, feeling the heat of the sun, tasting sweet, juicy berries, or listening to the whispers of the wind. Taking in the many fine details in the lovely images add to the joy of sharing this lovely book with little ones.

As they emerge from their first journey, the two are faced with a scene that is 'clean and paved, ordered and tidy'. What happened to their wild? Just when they least expect it, they are lead to  another, beauteous place where they can visit 'wild' once more. All is takes to discover it is a sense of adventure! Megan Lloyd obviously shares Dr. Sampson's love of nature and its importance in our lives.

Now, you can get outside and follow your own leaf to see where it takes you.

No comments:

Post a Comment