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Wild Girl: How to Have Incredible Outdoor Adventures
Calling wild girls everywhere! Helen Skelton – adventurer, world-record breaker and TV presenter – brings you her inspirational guide to getting outdoors and having incredible adventures.
From kayaking the length of the Amazon to cycling to the South Pole and running an ultra-marathon across the Namib desert, the Blue Peter and Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton has taken on record-breaking feats of endurance and shown that adventures definitely are for girls.
Helen shares six stories of her most daring adventures across some of the world’s most extreme wildernesses, explaining how she embraced her fears and found the positives in the toughest situations. Alongside her inspirational tales are ideas for where readers can find their own wild adventures closer to home and accounts of the real-life wild girls who inspire her.
From kayaking the length of the Amazon to cycling to the South Pole and running an ultra-marathon across the Namib desert, the Blue Peter and Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton has taken on record-breaking feats of endurance and shown that adventures definitely are for girls.
Helen shares six stories of her most daring adventures across some of the world’s most extreme wildernesses, explaining how she embraced her fears and found the positives in the toughest situations. Alongside her inspirational tales are ideas for where readers can find their own wild adventures closer to home and accounts of the real-life wild girls who inspire her.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2019
71 people want to read
About the author
Helen Skelton
8 books7 followersHelen Skelton is a popular television host in the UK. She is the second woman ever to complete the Namibia 24-Hour Ultra Marathon, she solo-kayaked two thousand miles down the Amazon River while breaking two Guinness World Records in the process, and she was the first person to reach the South Pole on a bicycle. She lives in England.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 11, 2019
Wild Girl: How to have Incredible Outdoor Adventures is a non-fiction book by TV presenter Helen Skelton. In her book, she teaches children how to have adventures via six different chapters. The book does come with a warning that these adventures require adult supervision and are not suitable for children under ten.
Beginning with ‘Adventures in Snow’ Helen explains about her travels to Antarctica, heading towards the South Pole. She takes you on a journey as she documents what it was like to be in -48 Degrees Celsius weather as she skied, kite-skied, and cycled 500 miles. From her training and preparation to her kit list and adventure report, plus there are many more valuable pages of information including amazing photographs.
Helen then explains some ways for people to have fun in the snow without travelling to Antarctica. She also gives you a snippet of information into those female adventurers who have braved the cold over the years. Including Barbara Hillary and Sarah McNair-Landry.
Throughout the rest of the book, Helen relives her adventure in the sand, on the water, up in the mountains, throughout the countryside, and around the city. Each chapter follows the same pattern including what Helen did and in what part of the world, what you can do closer to home and famous people who have done similar things to her.
If you have ever seen Helen Skelton on TV you will know how her soft, yet confident manner comes across genuine and her tone in the book is no different. I loved finding out about her adventures and there were a few famous people I’d never heard of either.
Her advice on how to have similar fun near the children’s homes includes some easy to achieve items such as having a snowball fight and cycling to more adventurous things such as paddle-boarding or abseiling.
I think children, especially those that crave adventure, will love this book. Even if they don’t end up following any of Helen’s advice, I’m sure they will enjoy reading about her time in The Amazon or Namibia, I certainly did.
Beginning with ‘Adventures in Snow’ Helen explains about her travels to Antarctica, heading towards the South Pole. She takes you on a journey as she documents what it was like to be in -48 Degrees Celsius weather as she skied, kite-skied, and cycled 500 miles. From her training and preparation to her kit list and adventure report, plus there are many more valuable pages of information including amazing photographs.
Helen then explains some ways for people to have fun in the snow without travelling to Antarctica. She also gives you a snippet of information into those female adventurers who have braved the cold over the years. Including Barbara Hillary and Sarah McNair-Landry.
Throughout the rest of the book, Helen relives her adventure in the sand, on the water, up in the mountains, throughout the countryside, and around the city. Each chapter follows the same pattern including what Helen did and in what part of the world, what you can do closer to home and famous people who have done similar things to her.
If you have ever seen Helen Skelton on TV you will know how her soft, yet confident manner comes across genuine and her tone in the book is no different. I loved finding out about her adventures and there were a few famous people I’d never heard of either.
Her advice on how to have similar fun near the children’s homes includes some easy to achieve items such as having a snowball fight and cycling to more adventurous things such as paddle-boarding or abseiling.
I think children, especially those that crave adventure, will love this book. Even if they don’t end up following any of Helen’s advice, I’m sure they will enjoy reading about her time in The Amazon or Namibia, I certainly did.
June 24, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This is a fantastic book for girls about 'going wild'.
The author writes about different adventures she has been on starting with a trip to the South pole and what she endured, the highs and lows of her trip, what she took with her, how she trained for it, the risks involved such as hypothermia and frost bite, and displays lots of photos of her trip to accompany it.
She then moves on to write about her other adventures in different locations, environments, continents etc and writes about each one in the same kind of format.
Each of the adventures is deemed for Wild Girls and encourages children to dream about adventures like hers and how you can train and plan to do the same and what is involved.
This is a fantastic book for girls about 'going wild'.
The author writes about different adventures she has been on starting with a trip to the South pole and what she endured, the highs and lows of her trip, what she took with her, how she trained for it, the risks involved such as hypothermia and frost bite, and displays lots of photos of her trip to accompany it.
She then moves on to write about her other adventures in different locations, environments, continents etc and writes about each one in the same kind of format.
Each of the adventures is deemed for Wild Girls and encourages children to dream about adventures like hers and how you can train and plan to do the same and what is involved.
September 15, 2019
This book is written by the Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton. It is an inspirational read for any want to be an adventurer. Helen believes that if you want to do something you can and nobody should say otherwise, to keep moving forward and be proud of your achievements and to face your fears and grow in confidence. A wise testament. She tells of her TV adventures and all her achievements raising money for charity. Helen has done so much in her young life from marathons, abseiling, climbing mountains,ice climbing, commando training, kayaking along the Amazon for 2,000 miles, I remember this one well and the list goes on. She not only describes her adventures but tells how to start your own adventure and what you will need ect. A fantastic read about Helen`s worldwide daring adventures.
September 8, 2019
www.bookread2day.wordress.com
Are you ready to go wild?
Have you ever wondered what it's like to cycle to the South Pole?
Or kayak 2,00O miles down the Amazon?
Or run an Ultra Marathon through the scorching Namib Desert ?
Be inspired by Helen Skeleton's incredible adventures and discover how you can get outdoors and unleash your inner Wild Girl.
Helen Skeleton is best known for presenting Blue Peter This book takes you through Helen 's incredible challenges.
Adventures in the snow, adventures on the sand, adventures on water, adventures in the mountains, adventures in the countryside and adventures in the city. Helen has always liked being outdoors more than liked being indoors.
The fantastic illustrations throughout this book are by Liz Kay.
Please note that adult supervision is required as this book contains a number of dangerous activities which should be done under the supervision of an adult. I'm afraid this book wouldn't be suitable for children aged less than 10 years.
I really enjoyed reading about all the adventures that Helen Skeleton has achieved. I strongly recommend this amazing book Wild Girl.
I would like to say a big thank you to Walker books for kindly sending me this hardback Wild Girl to read and review.
Are you ready to go wild?
Have you ever wondered what it's like to cycle to the South Pole?
Or kayak 2,00O miles down the Amazon?
Or run an Ultra Marathon through the scorching Namib Desert ?
Be inspired by Helen Skeleton's incredible adventures and discover how you can get outdoors and unleash your inner Wild Girl.
Helen Skeleton is best known for presenting Blue Peter This book takes you through Helen 's incredible challenges.
Adventures in the snow, adventures on the sand, adventures on water, adventures in the mountains, adventures in the countryside and adventures in the city. Helen has always liked being outdoors more than liked being indoors.
The fantastic illustrations throughout this book are by Liz Kay.
Please note that adult supervision is required as this book contains a number of dangerous activities which should be done under the supervision of an adult. I'm afraid this book wouldn't be suitable for children aged less than 10 years.
I really enjoyed reading about all the adventures that Helen Skeleton has achieved. I strongly recommend this amazing book Wild Girl.
I would like to say a big thank you to Walker books for kindly sending me this hardback Wild Girl to read and review.
November 16, 2020
This was a lot of fun! I had never heard of Helen Skelton before, but apparently she was on the British show Blue Peter and managed to convince a lot of people to send her off to do fun things for television. For certain definitions of fun. Basically she is of the belief that you can challenge yourself to do anything!
So, she took 3 months to train up and run an ultramarathon in the African desert. She kayaked down the Amazaon. She biked to the South Pole. She tried (but had to drop her pack) to march with the graduating class of the British Special forces. She's still mad at herself for giving up, and for not training properly for that.
It's a lighthearted book full of enthusiasm and can-do spirit, with the story of an adventure, the good parts and the bad, and then ideas for the readers to find their own adventures in similar environments, as well as famous women who made a name for themselves doing stuff. It never assumes the reader is a girl, but is definitely women-centric; the assumption is that people include women and so bras matter.
Anyway, a really fun quick read and I can see kids enjoying this.
So, she took 3 months to train up and run an ultramarathon in the African desert. She kayaked down the Amazaon. She biked to the South Pole. She tried (but had to drop her pack) to march with the graduating class of the British Special forces. She's still mad at herself for giving up, and for not training properly for that.
It's a lighthearted book full of enthusiasm and can-do spirit, with the story of an adventure, the good parts and the bad, and then ideas for the readers to find their own adventures in similar environments, as well as famous women who made a name for themselves doing stuff. It never assumes the reader is a girl, but is definitely women-centric; the assumption is that people include women and so bras matter.
Anyway, a really fun quick read and I can see kids enjoying this.
August 28, 2020
Helen Skelton, you are something.
You took on some amazing challenges.
You attempted to travel 500 miles across Antarctica, some of it on a bicycle, to get to the South Pole, in twenty days.
You tried to do three marathons, with a total of 78 miles, across the desert, in a single day.
You decided to see if you could solo kayak more than 2,000 miles down the Amazon.
And more...
These stories of your training and your attempts to accomplish these challenges were fascinating. Lots of fun sidebars and graphics and stats, too.
Helen Skelton, my hat is off to you.
You took on some amazing challenges.
You attempted to travel 500 miles across Antarctica, some of it on a bicycle, to get to the South Pole, in twenty days.
You tried to do three marathons, with a total of 78 miles, across the desert, in a single day.
You decided to see if you could solo kayak more than 2,000 miles down the Amazon.
And more...
These stories of your training and your attempts to accomplish these challenges were fascinating. Lots of fun sidebars and graphics and stats, too.
Helen Skelton, my hat is off to you.
June 20, 2020
This title is geared toward girls and poses the question, would you like to go wild? In this instance, wild means adventures in nature and urban settings. The book is organized by locations inviting girls to have experiences in the snow, the sand, the water, the mountains, the countryside and the city.
The author, an adventurer and TV presenter (I think in the UK), is no stranger to adventures herself. She is an encouraging guide in this title. She shares many of her adventures in this charmingly illustrated book. Her first adventures have to do with travel to the poles. She then invites girls to have adventures closer to home, for example going sledding, ice skating or having snowball fights. She also encourages skiing, snowboarding, kite skiing and more. The book then continues through each of the other environments.
this book is nicely laid out and full of many adventures. Hopefully its readers will get outside (away from screens) and engage in some of what the world has to offer.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
The author, an adventurer and TV presenter (I think in the UK), is no stranger to adventures herself. She is an encouraging guide in this title. She shares many of her adventures in this charmingly illustrated book. Her first adventures have to do with travel to the poles. She then invites girls to have adventures closer to home, for example going sledding, ice skating or having snowball fights. She also encourages skiing, snowboarding, kite skiing and more. The book then continues through each of the other environments.
this book is nicely laid out and full of many adventures. Hopefully its readers will get outside (away from screens) and engage in some of what the world has to offer.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2020
WILD GIRL: HOW TO HAVE INCREDIBLE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES is written by Helen Skelton, a veteran wild girl herself. In this part-autobiography, part-how-to guide, Skelton details the incredible feats she has conquered, such as solo-kayaking the Amazon River and biking to the South Pole. She shares the gear she used for each experience, explains her training, gives reflective accounts, and then suggests what readers can do if they too are seeking excitement. Skelton ends each section with a “Wild Girl Hall of Fame,” showcasing other fearless females who also have amazing accomplishments on their resumes.
As someone who likes to get active outdoors, I couldn’t wait to read this book. Skelton breaks her adventures into sections: Adventures in the Snow, Adventures on the Sand, Adventures on the Water, Adventures in the Mountains, Adventures in the Countryside, and Adventures in the City. I really appreciated this, because there’s an offer for everyone here. Beyond that, when she suggests what readers can do for fun in nature, she gives “Wild Adventure” options, such as kite-surfing, and “Extremely Wild Adventure” options, such as rock jumping. As someone who has a healthy dose of fear and reverence for the wilderness, I enjoyed perusing the less intense recommendations. I may not be a person who’s going to camp in a place without running water, but some readers might be excited to do that, which again shows how there’s something for everyone in this book.
I do wish the “Where to Go Wild” lists were lengthier and more curated, but that aside, this is a book that I want to hang on to, so that I can refer back to it when planning trips and vacations. It’s also a book that is coming at the perfect time. The more restricted we are right now with what we can do inside, such as the closure of gyms, movie theaters, restaurants, and stores, the more of a need there is to explore what we can do beyond that. I hope with this WILD GIRL book, readers will feel invigorated knowing that exploring the earth, even what is in our backyards, is the perfect way to cure boredom, exercise, and relax our minds.
Overall, Helen Skelton’s stories are incredibly inspiring and a great reminder that our mindset influences all that we do. She shows us that we have what we need within ourselves, and we just have to believe it. For that, WILD GIRL is a must-have for your shelf.
Review originally posted on YA Books Central: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yanonf...
As someone who likes to get active outdoors, I couldn’t wait to read this book. Skelton breaks her adventures into sections: Adventures in the Snow, Adventures on the Sand, Adventures on the Water, Adventures in the Mountains, Adventures in the Countryside, and Adventures in the City. I really appreciated this, because there’s an offer for everyone here. Beyond that, when she suggests what readers can do for fun in nature, she gives “Wild Adventure” options, such as kite-surfing, and “Extremely Wild Adventure” options, such as rock jumping. As someone who has a healthy dose of fear and reverence for the wilderness, I enjoyed perusing the less intense recommendations. I may not be a person who’s going to camp in a place without running water, but some readers might be excited to do that, which again shows how there’s something for everyone in this book.
I do wish the “Where to Go Wild” lists were lengthier and more curated, but that aside, this is a book that I want to hang on to, so that I can refer back to it when planning trips and vacations. It’s also a book that is coming at the perfect time. The more restricted we are right now with what we can do inside, such as the closure of gyms, movie theaters, restaurants, and stores, the more of a need there is to explore what we can do beyond that. I hope with this WILD GIRL book, readers will feel invigorated knowing that exploring the earth, even what is in our backyards, is the perfect way to cure boredom, exercise, and relax our minds.
Overall, Helen Skelton’s stories are incredibly inspiring and a great reminder that our mindset influences all that we do. She shows us that we have what we need within ourselves, and we just have to believe it. For that, WILD GIRL is a must-have for your shelf.
Review originally posted on YA Books Central: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yanonf...
May 30, 2021
REVIEWED August 1, 2020
Rating: Additional Selection
Recommended Grade Levels: 3-8
First published in the U.K. in 2019 and now available in the U.S., British television celebrity Helen Skelton tells readers about six extreme adventures she has undertaken. Skelton covers the highs and lows of each adventure, at times including too much personal information on the foibles of every trip. For example, she discusses the number of undergarments she took along with her on her trek to the South Pole; explains that she got used to "doing wild pees and poops" in the desert; and retells how she capsized into her own vomit in river water. Shelton's tone is overly casual and "buddy-buddy," and at times she comes across as a blowhard. Her suggestions for similar activities will be laughably obvious to American readers (such as sledding, skiing, beach running), while the extreme suggestions (walk across a glacier, sleep in a snow motel, go on a camel trek) are impossible to the point of absurdity as they are mostly located in international sites too prohibitively expensive to visit. To her credit, Skelton includes numerous disclaimers throughout the book alerting adults to the dangers of attempting her activities, but then she resumes reckless description of things she did on her trip. Illustrations in the book include a few snapshot-style photographs of varying quality in each chapter, with the rest all being digital illustrations done in a retro style that feature a pale blue, pink, teal, and yellow palette. This browser is of limited use within the curriculum and will probably find a meager audience in the U.S. Skip this one and buy another copy of Rachel Ignostofsky's Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win (Ten Speed Press 2017).
Rating: Additional Selection
Recommended Grade Levels: 3-8
First published in the U.K. in 2019 and now available in the U.S., British television celebrity Helen Skelton tells readers about six extreme adventures she has undertaken. Skelton covers the highs and lows of each adventure, at times including too much personal information on the foibles of every trip. For example, she discusses the number of undergarments she took along with her on her trek to the South Pole; explains that she got used to "doing wild pees and poops" in the desert; and retells how she capsized into her own vomit in river water. Shelton's tone is overly casual and "buddy-buddy," and at times she comes across as a blowhard. Her suggestions for similar activities will be laughably obvious to American readers (such as sledding, skiing, beach running), while the extreme suggestions (walk across a glacier, sleep in a snow motel, go on a camel trek) are impossible to the point of absurdity as they are mostly located in international sites too prohibitively expensive to visit. To her credit, Skelton includes numerous disclaimers throughout the book alerting adults to the dangers of attempting her activities, but then she resumes reckless description of things she did on her trip. Illustrations in the book include a few snapshot-style photographs of varying quality in each chapter, with the rest all being digital illustrations done in a retro style that feature a pale blue, pink, teal, and yellow palette. This browser is of limited use within the curriculum and will probably find a meager audience in the U.S. Skip this one and buy another copy of Rachel Ignostofsky's Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win (Ten Speed Press 2017).
January 24, 2023
My Quick Thoughts: Regarding this title, I am not sure it fits in the theme.. but…. 🙂 Anyways, this was another of the nonfiction books I read as part of the Cybils readathon late last year.
Helen Skelton is so inspiring! She believes that anything is possible; and sets out to achieve just about everything! From kayaking solo in the Amazon (and 2000 miles at that) to traveling to the south pole, Skelton has been on many adventures that can daunt the average reader. But fear not, for she provides more down to earth (yet challenging) alternatives for her readers.
Each of her adventures includes a description of the feat, sidebars with notes on the challenges as well as interesting facts and comments about her personal experiences with the same. And of course, those suggestions for related yet challenging activities that readers can do! I love that she also includes necessary equipment, safety tips, and suggestions on how to train for the challenge. Loads of photos and colorful illustrations accompany the narrative and provide more information.
The book is certainly inspiring, and can encourage young girls (and older ones too) to seek adventure.
Source: Review copy from Netgalley and my personal copy (provided by publishers for the Cybils readathon)
Helen Skelton is so inspiring! She believes that anything is possible; and sets out to achieve just about everything! From kayaking solo in the Amazon (and 2000 miles at that) to traveling to the south pole, Skelton has been on many adventures that can daunt the average reader. But fear not, for she provides more down to earth (yet challenging) alternatives for her readers.
Each of her adventures includes a description of the feat, sidebars with notes on the challenges as well as interesting facts and comments about her personal experiences with the same. And of course, those suggestions for related yet challenging activities that readers can do! I love that she also includes necessary equipment, safety tips, and suggestions on how to train for the challenge. Loads of photos and colorful illustrations accompany the narrative and provide more information.
The book is certainly inspiring, and can encourage young girls (and older ones too) to seek adventure.
Source: Review copy from Netgalley and my personal copy (provided by publishers for the Cybils readathon)
November 15, 2019
This is an interesting book and perfect for anyone who’s a fan of Helen Skelton or who, like me, watched her taking on some wild adventures on television; as well as inspiring any girls out there to have their own outdoor adventures. The book is a bit smaller than A4 in size and is a hardback with some lovely embossed lettering on the front and thick matt pages filled with colourful illustrations, pictures and text. Although the title suggests how girls can have some incredible outdoor adventures, and it does give some tips, this book is more about Skelton’s adventures and how she overcame feelings of fears and pushed herself to achieve what she didn’t think possible.
The book is arranged into different sections and types of adventures: on snow, on sand, on water, etc. and each section has a different adventure or challenge that Skelton has done. I remember seeing her take part in most of these challenges back when she was a presenter on Blue Peter (I used to watch it even as an adult!) and it was amazing how she persevered and pushed through the gruelling challenges to acomplish them, things like running the length of three marathons in 24 hours in the desert, her paddling in a kayak down the Amazon river, tightrope walking at Battersea Power Station, etc. However with this book you not only get to relive those events but you also get to find out more details about what she went through, a lot of which I never knew before.
I love the way the book looks, each page is colourful with pieces of text arranged on what looks like a notebook. Extra sections of text or photographs look like they are taped or paperclipped onto the page, there’s even the odd fake coffee cup stain on some pages too! I’ve always loved books that are arranged like this as it makes reading large amounts of text more manageable and it also just makes the whole book more fun to engage with and read! As you read about the different challenges she faced you also get to see pictures explaining what equipment (if any) she had to take with, images showing you where these challenges took place (including maps) and lots of other fun little illustrations as well as some amazing photographs from each adventure.
I was amazed at just how easy it was to read this book and how much I was interested in all the difficulties Skelton went through. The adventures were not easy and there were a lot of things we never got to hear about when she did them on television, including some icky issues around having lots of huge pus-filled blisters, being sick on herself, toilet problems in the snow and that thing about her toenails! Each adventure she went on is just interesting to read about and shows you just how difficult it was and yet also makes you feel that it’s possible to achieve something equally difficult if you put your mind to it.
After each of Skelton’s adventures, there are then adventure suggestions that girls can do, all with adult supervision of course. This takes up one double page and the adventures are a mixture of things that you can try but for the more hardcore there are more extreme adventure suggestions on the double page after this. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed that most of these adventures are ones that I wouldn’t have been able to do when I was growing up having some health and also weight/fitness related issues. Although some adventures were simpler, including camping in your garden (if you couldn’t go to a dedicated campsite) and having a campfire on a beach, others featured a lot of physical activities that either cost a lot (because you have to find the clubs/instructors to do them) or are very dangerous if not done properly with proper supervision from experts, this included absailing, bouldering (climbing boulders/walls that aren’t too high but without harneses), zip wiring, etc. There are suggestions for things that take place in other countries which is equally expensive for some, like visiting a desert city or places like the australian outback, grand canyon, etc. Each adventure idea is presented in a nice way, with these suggestions of things to do and places to have these adventures but it’s disappointing that most of them are ones that the less sporty/fit or even those with less income might not be able to do or might feel too intimidated into trying.
The last double page of each section features some women who have accomplished great adventues like the first african american to climb everest for example. There are little snippets of information on each woman including an illustration of them too. I like the added box that asks you to put a photo of yourself there for when you complete your own adventure. This extra section was good to read and it’s nice to hear about some women I’d never known about including some who are disabled and have managed to accomplish some great adventures. These women are definitely inspiration and a good added extra at the back of each section.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and I can see many girls getting a buzz to have some outdoor adventures. It definitely made me want to try out some of the activities for myself and I learned a lot (including the difference between a kayak and a canoe!), but I’m disappointed that this book doesn’t include more outdoor adventures especially given the title that suggests it’s all about how to have outdoor adventures. I really enjoyed learning a lot about Helen Skelton’s challenges and how she overcame them. I really liked her attitude, honesty and advice to girls about how to motivate themselves, but I do find it a shame that there weren’t more ideas for those who are at a more beginner level, especially those girls who, like me as a teenager, are not as fit and sporty and might be a bit fearful of extreme activities, but who want to get out there and have their own adventures too.
ps. There are some great images of some of the inspirational women on the inside covers too!
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy for review.
The book is arranged into different sections and types of adventures: on snow, on sand, on water, etc. and each section has a different adventure or challenge that Skelton has done. I remember seeing her take part in most of these challenges back when she was a presenter on Blue Peter (I used to watch it even as an adult!) and it was amazing how she persevered and pushed through the gruelling challenges to acomplish them, things like running the length of three marathons in 24 hours in the desert, her paddling in a kayak down the Amazon river, tightrope walking at Battersea Power Station, etc. However with this book you not only get to relive those events but you also get to find out more details about what she went through, a lot of which I never knew before.
I love the way the book looks, each page is colourful with pieces of text arranged on what looks like a notebook. Extra sections of text or photographs look like they are taped or paperclipped onto the page, there’s even the odd fake coffee cup stain on some pages too! I’ve always loved books that are arranged like this as it makes reading large amounts of text more manageable and it also just makes the whole book more fun to engage with and read! As you read about the different challenges she faced you also get to see pictures explaining what equipment (if any) she had to take with, images showing you where these challenges took place (including maps) and lots of other fun little illustrations as well as some amazing photographs from each adventure.
I was amazed at just how easy it was to read this book and how much I was interested in all the difficulties Skelton went through. The adventures were not easy and there were a lot of things we never got to hear about when she did them on television, including some icky issues around having lots of huge pus-filled blisters, being sick on herself, toilet problems in the snow and that thing about her toenails! Each adventure she went on is just interesting to read about and shows you just how difficult it was and yet also makes you feel that it’s possible to achieve something equally difficult if you put your mind to it.
After each of Skelton’s adventures, there are then adventure suggestions that girls can do, all with adult supervision of course. This takes up one double page and the adventures are a mixture of things that you can try but for the more hardcore there are more extreme adventure suggestions on the double page after this. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed that most of these adventures are ones that I wouldn’t have been able to do when I was growing up having some health and also weight/fitness related issues. Although some adventures were simpler, including camping in your garden (if you couldn’t go to a dedicated campsite) and having a campfire on a beach, others featured a lot of physical activities that either cost a lot (because you have to find the clubs/instructors to do them) or are very dangerous if not done properly with proper supervision from experts, this included absailing, bouldering (climbing boulders/walls that aren’t too high but without harneses), zip wiring, etc. There are suggestions for things that take place in other countries which is equally expensive for some, like visiting a desert city or places like the australian outback, grand canyon, etc. Each adventure idea is presented in a nice way, with these suggestions of things to do and places to have these adventures but it’s disappointing that most of them are ones that the less sporty/fit or even those with less income might not be able to do or might feel too intimidated into trying.
The last double page of each section features some women who have accomplished great adventues like the first african american to climb everest for example. There are little snippets of information on each woman including an illustration of them too. I like the added box that asks you to put a photo of yourself there for when you complete your own adventure. This extra section was good to read and it’s nice to hear about some women I’d never known about including some who are disabled and have managed to accomplish some great adventures. These women are definitely inspiration and a good added extra at the back of each section.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and I can see many girls getting a buzz to have some outdoor adventures. It definitely made me want to try out some of the activities for myself and I learned a lot (including the difference between a kayak and a canoe!), but I’m disappointed that this book doesn’t include more outdoor adventures especially given the title that suggests it’s all about how to have outdoor adventures. I really enjoyed learning a lot about Helen Skelton’s challenges and how she overcame them. I really liked her attitude, honesty and advice to girls about how to motivate themselves, but I do find it a shame that there weren’t more ideas for those who are at a more beginner level, especially those girls who, like me as a teenager, are not as fit and sporty and might be a bit fearful of extreme activities, but who want to get out there and have their own adventures too.
ps. There are some great images of some of the inspirational women on the inside covers too!
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy for review.
September 22, 2020
This ARC was not what I expected, which isn't really the book's fault. I expected a book of practical tips for girls not necessarily from adventuring families wanting to embark on outdoor adventures in and near where they live. Instead, Wild Girl is a scrapbook-style first-person recounting of several of the adventures British TV host Helen Skelton has done for charity, interspersed with smaller-scale ideas for those without a camera crew and a team of professionals to plan everything. The big adventures are out of reach for almost every non-famous person, and the smaller ones are light on practical tips (e.g., she suggests camping away from a campground with no suggestions for how to do that safely or even where to get such information), but I like that Skelton highlights both the successes and the low points. Her focus on the amount of failing that comes before success---and that even success isn't all smooth-sailing---is important for anyone just starting something new or wanting to challenge themselves in something they are already familiar with.
August 4, 2020
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the gifted copy. All thoughts are completely my own
I love the idea of this book. Teaching older (like 10ish) kids that you can have amazing outdoor adventures. Helen talks about being in Antarctica, Africa, The Amazon ect.
Helen provides a lot of advice (like how to use the bathroom in a canoe) and gives a lot of useful information. Some parts are rather wordy though.
This would be a great book for kids looking to explore more or perhaps prepare for their own future adventures. 🙂
I love the idea of this book. Teaching older (like 10ish) kids that you can have amazing outdoor adventures. Helen talks about being in Antarctica, Africa, The Amazon ect.
Helen provides a lot of advice (like how to use the bathroom in a canoe) and gives a lot of useful information. Some parts are rather wordy though.
This would be a great book for kids looking to explore more or perhaps prepare for their own future adventures. 🙂
September 22, 2021
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
Helen Skelton has run 78 miles in the desert, biked to the south pole, high-wire walked between towers, and more! Through six wild experiences, Skelton shares her preparation and execution of her personal adventures to show readers that anything is possible. Each experience concludes with small and large adventures readers can try and descriptions of other women who have accomplished similar things.
I have started to plan a couple adventures for myself based on her recommendations, but my favorite part of Skelton’s book is that she shares her weaknesses as well as her victories. Skelton allows herself to be vulnerable with her readers by being honest about her insecurities and regrets. Go have an adventure and remember that the bad parts do not outweigh the successes.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Helen Skelton has run 78 miles in the desert, biked to the south pole, high-wire walked between towers, and more! Through six wild experiences, Skelton shares her preparation and execution of her personal adventures to show readers that anything is possible. Each experience concludes with small and large adventures readers can try and descriptions of other women who have accomplished similar things.
I have started to plan a couple adventures for myself based on her recommendations, but my favorite part of Skelton’s book is that she shares her weaknesses as well as her victories. Skelton allows herself to be vulnerable with her readers by being honest about her insecurities and regrets. Go have an adventure and remember that the bad parts do not outweigh the successes.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
August 29, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Wild Girl: How to Have Incredible Outdoor Adventures is an exuberant illustrated guide particularly aimed at young girls (circa teen/tween aged) for finding adventure written by TV presenter personality Helen Skelton. Originally published in the UK in 2019, this North American edition is due out 6th Oct 2020 from Candlewick Press. It's 144 pages and will be available in hardcover format (other editions available in other formats).
I enjoyed this encouraging and adventurous guide which gives young people a good and healthy role model. There is an emphasis on safety, fun, and of course adventure wherever one finds oneself - desert, forest, mountains, or city. The book contains many suggestions for having adventures, learning new skills, and trying new things. The suggestions are as varied as trying ziplining or trying new foods and new cultures. Interspersed with the encouraging mini-adventures for readers are the photos and descriptions Ms. Skelton herself experienced during her years as co-presenter on Blue Peter. which included an ultra-marathon in the desert, bicycling to the south pole, and kayaking down the Amazon.
Each of her adventures includes a description of the feat, sidebars with notes and tidbits of challenges, trivia, and interesting asides about how it felt and what she experienced. The book is graphically very appealing with an exuberant and colorful layout and lots of photos. While her suggestions for readers' own adventures aren't quite as daunting as solo kayaking 2000 miles on the Amazon, they're challenging enough. Each of them includes a description, necessary gear, training suggestions, and safety tips.
I liked very much that the book also includes a short list of other girls and women who have exceeded all expectations and rules and succeeded in their chosen sports - free running, boxing, skateboarding, wheelchair motocross, and more. Impressive. This would be a superlative gift or classroom library selection for young people (especially girls).
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Wild Girl: How to Have Incredible Outdoor Adventures is an exuberant illustrated guide particularly aimed at young girls (circa teen/tween aged) for finding adventure written by TV presenter personality Helen Skelton. Originally published in the UK in 2019, this North American edition is due out 6th Oct 2020 from Candlewick Press. It's 144 pages and will be available in hardcover format (other editions available in other formats).
I enjoyed this encouraging and adventurous guide which gives young people a good and healthy role model. There is an emphasis on safety, fun, and of course adventure wherever one finds oneself - desert, forest, mountains, or city. The book contains many suggestions for having adventures, learning new skills, and trying new things. The suggestions are as varied as trying ziplining or trying new foods and new cultures. Interspersed with the encouraging mini-adventures for readers are the photos and descriptions Ms. Skelton herself experienced during her years as co-presenter on Blue Peter. which included an ultra-marathon in the desert, bicycling to the south pole, and kayaking down the Amazon.
Each of her adventures includes a description of the feat, sidebars with notes and tidbits of challenges, trivia, and interesting asides about how it felt and what she experienced. The book is graphically very appealing with an exuberant and colorful layout and lots of photos. While her suggestions for readers' own adventures aren't quite as daunting as solo kayaking 2000 miles on the Amazon, they're challenging enough. Each of them includes a description, necessary gear, training suggestions, and safety tips.
I liked very much that the book also includes a short list of other girls and women who have exceeded all expectations and rules and succeeded in their chosen sports - free running, boxing, skateboarding, wheelchair motocross, and more. Impressive. This would be a superlative gift or classroom library selection for young people (especially girls).
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 16, 2020
Get outdoors and have amazing real-life adventures with an inspirational guide from adventurer, world-record breaker, and British TV personality Helen Skelton.
From kayaking the length of the Amazon to biking to the South Pole and running an ultramarathon across the Namib desert, Helen Skelton shares the stories of her most daring feats of endurance and grit in some of the world’s most extreme wildernesses–overcoming challenges, embracing her fears, and finding the positives in the toughest situations. Alongside each exciting account are ideas for outdoor adventures readers can have closer to home, as well as gear lists, information about Helen’s support teams, statistics, tips for physical and mental preparation, and a Wild Girl Wall of Fame featuring the diverse women who inspired Helen with their own achievements. A likable, no-nonsense tone paired with a combination of photographs and fun art will inspire young people to get outside and dream big.
Out October 2020
144 Pages
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
As a parent who has children in this technological age… I’ve always pushed my kids to get out and get some fresh air away from screens and phones. As a naturalist, and a daughter, grand-daughter and great-granddaughter to naturalists, I’m always pushing the outdoors, learning about nature and getting involved away from technology.
Helen Skelton has put together a very interesting and engaging book full of adventure and short blurb how-to’s to keep your young middle grade readers turning pages. Skelton has been fortunate enough to travel to many different places on our planet and engage in challenges and contests of will in incredible situations. She includes multiple photos of her journeys and provides details about training and preparing for her challenges.
The set up of this book is fun and interesting and gives tweaks of humor in the writing. My copy was black and white but the final copy is in colour. I love the cover and the wealth of information between covers that you gain from Skelton’s experiences. If you think of all the things Helen Skelton has accomplished and at such a young age, you will agree that this young lady is a gifted and inspirational athlete to hers and younger generations to dream big and reach for the stars.
From kayaking the length of the Amazon to biking to the South Pole and running an ultramarathon across the Namib desert, Helen Skelton shares the stories of her most daring feats of endurance and grit in some of the world’s most extreme wildernesses–overcoming challenges, embracing her fears, and finding the positives in the toughest situations. Alongside each exciting account are ideas for outdoor adventures readers can have closer to home, as well as gear lists, information about Helen’s support teams, statistics, tips for physical and mental preparation, and a Wild Girl Wall of Fame featuring the diverse women who inspired Helen with their own achievements. A likable, no-nonsense tone paired with a combination of photographs and fun art will inspire young people to get outside and dream big.
Out October 2020
144 Pages
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
As a parent who has children in this technological age… I’ve always pushed my kids to get out and get some fresh air away from screens and phones. As a naturalist, and a daughter, grand-daughter and great-granddaughter to naturalists, I’m always pushing the outdoors, learning about nature and getting involved away from technology.
Helen Skelton has put together a very interesting and engaging book full of adventure and short blurb how-to’s to keep your young middle grade readers turning pages. Skelton has been fortunate enough to travel to many different places on our planet and engage in challenges and contests of will in incredible situations. She includes multiple photos of her journeys and provides details about training and preparing for her challenges.
The set up of this book is fun and interesting and gives tweaks of humor in the writing. My copy was black and white but the final copy is in colour. I love the cover and the wealth of information between covers that you gain from Skelton’s experiences. If you think of all the things Helen Skelton has accomplished and at such a young age, you will agree that this young lady is a gifted and inspirational athlete to hers and younger generations to dream big and reach for the stars.
April 24, 2021
Helen Skelton's book, Wild Girl: How to Have Incredible Outdoor Adventures, is one of the most engaging non-fiction books I have ever read. Reading this book is an adventure in itself! So much vibrancy, color, and enthusiasm bursts from every page! Increasing amounts of screen time have long been the enemy of experiencing the out-of-doors and COVID has only added to that problem. As the world slowly resumes some form of normalcy, Skelton's book is the perfect lure to adventure in the natural world.
The book is divided into six different types of adventures:
Adventures in the Snow
Adventures on the Sand
Adventures on the Water
Adventures in the Mountains
Adventures in the Countryside
Adventures in the City
The book is an explosion of photographs and engaging graphics as well as fun facts sprinkled throughout. Each section includes her gear list for each adventure, the preparation taken, as well as selections from her diary about each experience. I loved the additional information about the geographic area and fun facts about animals native to the area.
Each chapter closes with some suggestions for modified adventures as well as some ideas for extreme adventures (all are meant to be done with adult supervision). And one of the most fascinating parts of each chapter was the "Hall of Fame" that highlighted women who had distinguished themselves in that area. Such a great way to provide young people role models of adventure!
I asked for my teens thoughts on the book and she said, "All she's done is so impressive...This lady has grit! Good grief, I'm sore just reading it!" The author was certainly dedicated, gutsy and inspiring!
Whether you want ideas for your own future adventures or just want to experience adventure through someone else's eyes, Helen Skelton's Wild Girl is an excellent resource to kindle a spirit of adventure in anyone!
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Wild Girl from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
The book is divided into six different types of adventures:
Adventures in the Snow
Adventures on the Sand
Adventures on the Water
Adventures in the Mountains
Adventures in the Countryside
Adventures in the City
The book is an explosion of photographs and engaging graphics as well as fun facts sprinkled throughout. Each section includes her gear list for each adventure, the preparation taken, as well as selections from her diary about each experience. I loved the additional information about the geographic area and fun facts about animals native to the area.
Each chapter closes with some suggestions for modified adventures as well as some ideas for extreme adventures (all are meant to be done with adult supervision). And one of the most fascinating parts of each chapter was the "Hall of Fame" that highlighted women who had distinguished themselves in that area. Such a great way to provide young people role models of adventure!
I asked for my teens thoughts on the book and she said, "All she's done is so impressive...This lady has grit! Good grief, I'm sore just reading it!" The author was certainly dedicated, gutsy and inspiring!
Whether you want ideas for your own future adventures or just want to experience adventure through someone else's eyes, Helen Skelton's Wild Girl is an excellent resource to kindle a spirit of adventure in anyone!
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Wild Girl from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
January 30, 2021
It was an adventure just getting to this book to review it. I stopped typing after "Wild Girl: How to have Incredible..." and other interesting books popped up. Well, now for the review. This was not what I expected. I expected a book about encouraging young girls to go out and explore their own neighborhoods with simple but exciting ideas. There are small sections of this book that try to do that but mostly it is an autobiography. I would be interested in seeing how many times "I" is used in this book. The author's adventures are far from typical. She explores the Amazon and South Pole with professionals. These are things regular girls can't do. The author acknowledges that by saying, instead of going down the Amazon, build your own raft and float down a local river. "All you need is a wood pallet, two empty plastic drums, lots of rope and a patient parent." Seriously, this is not realistic. I don't know where to find empty plastic drums. I did encourage my children to explore, but we did white water rafter with professionals instead of trying to make a raft with supplies that are impossible to find and possibly dangerous when assembled. Other ideas such as sledding and snowball fights and going to a rock climbing wall gym are too common and no one needs to suggest these to parents looking for ways to get their children active outdoors. I didn't get any new ideas reading this. It reads like a reference book instead of a biography so it's not even good for that. Biographies are readable cover to cover, this is not.
June 15, 2020
The author sets out to describe several of her incredible outdoor adventures. Her goal is to describe her adventures, struggles, and show girls ways they can have similar adventures themselves. It is organized by type of adventure, what it took to get there, and pros and cons. She then goes on to share famous women who have excelled in this type of activity and ways girls could participate in similar activities.
I loved this book. It was beautifully laid out. I loved the way she pointed out all the hard work each one took and her decisions to persevere (or not) and what she learned from those experiences. It was definitely written with a growth mindset perspective. She has had so many fun adventures. The ideas for kids to get involved were on point—accessible and challenging. I know my own girls are going to love this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Candelwick Press for this free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I loved this book. It was beautifully laid out. I loved the way she pointed out all the hard work each one took and her decisions to persevere (or not) and what she learned from those experiences. It was definitely written with a growth mindset perspective. She has had so many fun adventures. The ideas for kids to get involved were on point—accessible and challenging. I know my own girls are going to love this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Candelwick Press for this free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 28, 2021
What fun to travel along with Helen as she pushes her boundaries both physical and mental to take on some epic outdoor adventures. Kayaking the Amazon, running marathons in the desert...that sort of thing. The book's design was terrific, including training, equipment, and reflection. She is British, so many of the references come from her country, but the U.S. is included as well.
January 28, 2021
I hope to someday give this book another chance. The graphics, layout and theme are what drew me in - we do need more books "like this", I think. But I did not love how it read more as an autobiography. I was expecting something less personal and more "non-fiction" because of the info-graphic styling.
October 21, 2020
Great for 9 years old and up to 8th grade showing how strong and couragous you have to be to do this extreeme kind of travel. It also highlights the pleasures and accomplishments and exotic locals.
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