Where the Wilderness Lives

Where the Wilderness Lives

By Author / Illustrator

Jess Butterworth, Rob Biddulph

Genre

Environment

Age range(s)

9+

Publisher

Hachette Children's Group

ISBN

9781510105508

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

02-04-2020

Synopsis

An epic race for survival that follows four children and their dog through treacherous waterways, dense forests and the deep, dark wilderness of Wales. From author Jess Butterworth comes a beautifully written adventure story in a vibrantly described setting - perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell.

One day, as Cara and her siblings are trying to clean up the canal where they live, they pull out a mysterious locked safe. Though none of them can open it, they're sure it's something special.  That night, a thief comes after the safe. The children flee, traveling with their boat as far as they can, before continuing into the forest on foot. But soon they're lost in the mountains with a snowstorm about to land and food supplies running low.  Will Cara and her siblings be able to survive the wilderness with nothing but their wits, their bravery and one very large dog to help?

Reviews

Azmeh - Age 9

I really liked this book because there are so many twists and turns. It is action packed and adventurous. I would recommend this book

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Kelly

Where the Wilderness Lives is a story filled with adventure and nature, intertwined with magic and folklore but grounded by the trials and tribulations that accompany childhood.

There are so many aspects this book lends itself to; vibrant descriptions take you on a journey through dangerous waterways, dense forests and the hidden depths of Wales. Who knew giving a talk at school about living on a narrow boat would lead to a race of survival through the wilderness?

For four children and their dog, Willow, their story unfurls when a safe is uncovered whilst cleaning the canal. Although the safe is locked, they feel it holds hidden secrets. That night a thief comes looking for the safe. The children flee on an epic journey of survival: taking their boat, Newt, as far as it can go before travelling on foot through the forest with only a backpack full of essentials. Eventually, they find themselves lost on a mountain with an impending snowstorm brewing. Will their determination and sheer grit be enough to save them?

Where the Wilderness Lives will resonate with fans of Kathrine Rundell's The Explorer. This is a great book to support topics in and out of the classroom, notably nature, the environment, survival and courage. Once again it is great to see a female heroine leading the way.

352 pages / Ages 9+ / Reviewed by Kelly Buxton, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

 

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