Saturday 21 January 2012

21. Wild Child by Jeanne Willis and Lorna Freytag


Wild Child by Jeanne Willis and Lorna Freytag
Published January 2012 Walker


From the publisher:
Meet Wild Child! She’s spirited and curious. She’s fearless and free. She lives alone in a mystical, prehistoric world – the last child in a dramatic landscape, where anything could happen. Follow her through her day as she explores her world from the foot of the mountain to the heart of the wood; while she runs with the rabbits and swims with the fish – but beware of the grown-ups and sensible shoes! Join the magic and unleash the wild child in YOU!

I love Jeanne Willis, and she has written some of my favourite picture books of all time.  I am in two minds about this book.  I really like the text, it rhymes well and has great rhythm, which can be hard to get right.  I am undecided about the illustrations, I think it's just a personal thing, as I prefer traditional illustrations in picture books, as opposed to photographic style.


It's a book that different people will find different meanings in.  For me, it's a look at childhood and how we coddle children so much that they have little time and opportunity to be outside, explore and be 'wild'.



From the book:

They scrubbed them with soap and they made them eat peas
They made them behave and say pardon and please
They took all their wisdom and wildness away -
That's why there are none in the forests today

Who will like this book: Boys and girls Age 5+
Read it if you like: Rhyme and books that give you something to talk about

1 comment:

  1. A lovely reminder to let kids be kids!

    ReplyDelete