Wildful

By Author / Illustrator

Kengo Kurimoto

Genre

Environment & Nature

Age range(s)

Publisher

Pushkin Children's Books

ISBN

9781782694892

Format

Hardback

Published

08-05-2025

Synopsis

A beautiful graphic novel about nature and dealing with grief, perfect for fans of The Secret Garden, October, October and Greenwild.

Nothing's been the same since Gran passed away. Mum is too sad to leave the house, so Poppy has started taking her dog Pepper for walks around the neighbourhood. When Poppy discovers a forgotten patch of woodland and meets a new friend, she learns that you can find magic in the wild - if you know where to look, what to listen for and how to wait... but can Poppy help her mum see it too?

PRAISE FOR WILDFUL 'A captivating debut graphic novel... rivals The Secret Garden in its joyful reverence for nature' New York Times, Best Children's Books of 2024. 'A gentled, poignant tale of awakening to the subtle, healing wonders of the wild' Kirkus Reviews 'A magical showcase of non-verbal storytelling... Wildful is an outstanding graphic novel in which people discover the healing power of nature' Foreword, starred review.

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Reviews

Sue

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 do 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 are so many moments of beauty here!

In the hands of the right teacher, Wildful 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!

216 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher