Wilder Child

by Nicolette Sowder, Myo Yim (illustrator)

A lyrical read-aloud filled with vibrant illustrations that follows a group of children as they explore their relationship with the natural world—from insects to dandelions to playing in the mud. This picture book based on a popular poem is a joyful celebration of the ability children have to cherish all living things.

Exuberant and imaginative, this picture book celebrates the mess makers, scavengers of the dirt, and kids who march to the beat of their own drum. Follow along with these children as they experience the joy of playing in the mud, dangling from tree limbs, and watching spiderlings hatch within the wonder of their intricate webs.

From debut author Nicolette Sowder comes this poetic picture book for kids who are curious learners who are filled with energy, and prefer to experience the world with all their senses. With dreamy illustrations by Myo Yim, Wilder Child beckons readers to see beauty in the untamed, marvel at the wonders of nature, and advocate for all living beings.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published December 31, 2024

Reviews

[Mr. Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woohoo! First review! Read this one standing up at the library. Not gonna lie, I loved it. Makes y’all feel ok with having wild kids - cause it ain’t gonna last forever so you might as well enjoy it. We can have spotless houses when we’re old and gray; not now with so much life under our roof.

[Teresa Biggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talking about running barefoot and singing and being outdoor. Good illustrations

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilder Child is a joyful, grounding celebration of childhood spent close to the Earth—perfect for little ones who love to dig, explore, and feel the world beneath their bare feet. With simple yet lyrical text, Sowder beautifully captures the magic children find in places others might overlook: mud puddles, tree tops, and the rainy days. It’s a love letter to outdoor play and the unfiltered wonder children bring to nature.

Beyond its charm, this book honors the nourishing role nature plays in childhood and offers a soft call to gratitude and responsibility. A lovely, resonant read for any time of year—and especially meaningful for Earth Day. Highly recommended for both home and classroom libraries!

[Norah C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed reading this book! It's such a sweet little story that I think a lot of parents could benefit from reading just as much as the book's young audience. It's important to realize that childhood is one of the only times where very little people are going to let you run a little freer, so allow your child to be just a little bit wild. Save the strictness for when they're older, let them have the imaginations that haven't been taught out of them! Highly recommend, very happy with what I read.

[Kathryn C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book with a sweet message especially for someone who loves a “wilder child”. “Celebrate the wild children with their bare feet and sparkling eyes.” The illustrations are soft and lovely made with pastels and pencil. Minimal text but still leaves a great message. Would recommend.

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I put this on hold in hopes it could be a good fit for story time? It might be a little long (though the lines on each page are short) but it was a really lovely read—the kind of thing I’d gift to a friend having kids, maybe. :) The illustrations are gorgeous.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Proposes to celebrate wild children who spend the majority of their time outside.

The illustrated children's faces look like little old people. Also the story ends like an incomplete sentence. Not recommended.

[Lysa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Tanya Konerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely call out to children who love the outdoors and exploring nature, roaming and experiencing life! Delightful illustrations bring the joy for every scene!

[Y.Poston]

beautiful

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book a 5 for the beautiful art and its sentiment. Not sure who it's for but I hope it reminds parents to let kids play outside and get dirty. But that art!!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely. The soft and colorful artwork is the perfect pairing for this gentle poem. Definitely makes me want to go outside!

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has fairies!!!! Gorgeous artwork.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet. I liked the pictures. And it reminded me of the joys of childhood.

[Cecilia Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated. Hidden details in the water color were fun to discover.

[Latifah S Ningrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ilustrations about various adventures of children in this book are calm and beautiful.

[Audrey Sauble · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art is adorable and I love the underlying idea of celebrating nature and kids who run wild in nature. The text feels like it’s aimed more at parents than kids, though.