"The wild ones with their outside voices,
singing all the way home.
Give me the wonder-filled,
glorious mess makers
dreaming of mountains and mud,
aching to run through a field of stars."
Nicolette Sowder, founder of Wild Child and Wildschooling, has written her first picture book to honor the children who love wild things and the wonders found in nature. While we are basking in warmer winter temperatures for the near future, there is little thought given to running barefoot through the grass or splashing in puddles as the children pictured here are doing. But we can dream, can't we?
The exuberant children pictured on spreads lush with color and sunshine are the ones who find great joy in the beauty of the outdoors. They wait patiently for the sun to rise and spread its warmth over lush fields and gardens where creatures find shelter and peace. They climb trees and rocky ledges along the seashore with wild abandon. They have no fear of the wild places.
You can hear their voices as they revel in the outdoors, and see the messes they make while exploring muddy grounds and dry desert lands. At night, they splash in puddles and peer at the starry sky. And, when it snows? They love the cold as much as they love the dandelions and worms. They love the rain as much as they love the sun, and run toward both no matter the season. Their wonder has no bounds. Because of their unbridled affection, they will learn to speak for those wild places that need protection.
The illustrations, done in pastels and pencils, offer calm and warmth for the words shared with young readers. The outdoors has never looked better, or inspired more awe. The visual images are full of detail and natural, textured colors.
"May we raise children who love the unloved things ... "
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