Wildful
With her mother consumed with grief after the death of Gran, Poppy spends much of her time glued to her phone whilst walking Pepper, her dog. When Pepper takes off in pursuit of a fox, Poppy chases after him and finds herself in a forest clearing where she meets a boy named Rob. Intrigued by the wildness of the woods and Rob’s love of nature, Poppy returns again and again, starting to notice, observe and appreciate the beauties of the natural world. She longs to share her discoveries with her mother who remains trapped in her sorrow until something happens…
‘Wildful’ is both beautiful and absorbing, a real celebration of the healing power of nature and its beauties. Largely wordless, it is a book to linger over and create many layers of narrative as Poppy’s eyes are opened to the world around her. Her blooming curiosity and wonder are infectious, encouraging readers to pause and reflect and, hopefully, to so this more in their own lives.
Tempted outside by her daughter’s example, Poppy’s mother finds solace in nature, embracing life and all its wonders whilst remembering her own mother, rather than focusing on her loss. Nature in all its therapeutic wonder is celebrated here as it not only is shown ‘healing’ Poppy’s mum, but is the founder of a new friendship between Poppy and Rob.
The artwork is stunning. With so few words, the pictures really carry the story, showing the growing wonder and excitement on Poppy’s face as she begins to take in the details of the world around her. And those details are there for the reader to revel in as well- droplets of rain captured on a spider’s web, the intricacies of a flower, the emerging face of a badger from its sett. There is so many moments of beauty here!
In the hands of the right teacher, the book would be the perfect catalyst for learning, allowing children to develop writing through observing the world for themselves as well as through the eyes of the story. It is also sure to inspire budding artists! It is a wonderful book, one to be shared, lingered over and returned to again and again!
Wildful
Kengo Kurimoto
Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782694892