PUBLICATION DAY REVIEW!
Headphones on, lost in her own world, Poppy takes her dog for a walk. As Pepper examines the world around him, she is seemingly oblivious.
Only when Pepper runs off to chase a fox, does she panic and we can feel her anguish at the thought of losing her beloved dog.
Deep in the woods, she meets a boy, Rob, who helps her find her dog but disappears when he spots a bird with his binoculars.
Racing back home, Poppy is keen to tell Mum about her adventure. But Mum is too lost in her own grief about losing Gran.
As Poppy walks Pepper another day, she cannot resist exploring the hidden woodland.
Discovering Rob, the pair find deer tracks and follow Pepper to try and see the deer.
On the way, they come across squirrels and Rob stops, making her to listen to the alarm call of a wren as they discover its nest.
Instead of wearing her headphones, Poppy becomes more and more aware of the wonders of the natural world around her.
With the help of Rob, she learns to look at every leaf, every bud, to listen for bird calls and share the joy of discovery.
If only Mum would join her.
Can Poppy’s tales of nature rouse her mother from her grief at Gran passing away?
Is there light, even on the darkest days?
This sparsely worded graphic novel is a book to take your time over. To examine the detail of the exquisite drawings, to feel as if you are with Poppy, Pepper and Rob wondering what they will discover next. It is a ‘keeper’, one to return to again and again.
‘Wildful’ is a joyous exploration of how nature and the gift of friendship can help even in the toughest of times.
A book to encourage all to take the time to appreciate the wonderful world around us.
This would be especially helpful for opening up discussions on grief and learning to navigate a path through the feelings and emotions it brings.
Thank you to Pushkin Children’s Books for the review copy.
