Into the Wild

The striking cover of Into the Wild, where we see a boy surrounded by nature and wildlife against a city skyline backdrop, gives a very clear idea of what Into the Wild is about. This is a really lovely story to share with young children to remind them that, although we might live in cities surrounded by buildings, if you look closely you can find 'the Wild' all around you....

Joe loves animals and nature, but struggles to find any in the town where he lives - until the night he leaves the window open, and the wild comes to find him... He is taken to visit all the 'wild' parts of town, his journey becoming more and more fantastic until we see a glorious coming together of animals and other wildlife and we are reminded how precious it is - and that we are part of 'the Wild', too. At the end of the story, the reader is asked if they can find wild things in their town or city.

What a lovely way to remind children of our place in nature and that we are all part of the wild and also reminding us how precious it is.  Into the Wild will generate lots of questions about the kinds of wildlife children can find around their homes and city streets, as well as sparking discussions about what we can do to help the wildlife in our environs. It's a great way to start an exploration of the kinds of creatures we might have living near us and encouraging children to appreciate that nature really is all around us.

Picture book / Reviewed by Elen Green

Suggested Reading Age 3+