What do you think?
Rate this book
Wild Wild Sunflower Child Anna
Anna, a little girl, spends a wonderful day outdoors, enjoying all the sights and sounds of nature in the summer, picking berries, and playing with the frogs in the creek
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
About the author
Nancy White Carlstrom
76 books26 followersNancy White Carlstrom has written more than 50 books for children, including the Jesse Bear series with illustrator Bruce Degan.
Born the daughter of steel mill worker William J. and Eva (Lawrence) White, Nancy White Carlstrom was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, on August 4, 1948. She practiced writing poetry, enjoyed reading books like Little Women, and wanted to become a children’s book author at an early age. Carlstrom worked in the children’s department of her local library in Washington during her high school years. She graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, majoring in Elementary Education and earning her B.A. in 1970, also studying at Harvard Extension School and Radcliffe from 1974 to 1976. In September of 1974, she married David R. Carlstrom, later a pilot and a marketing director at Fairbanks International Airport. They had two children—Jesse and Joshua.
She draws inspiration from her 18 years living in Alaska, volunteer experiences in Africa and Haiti, and raising her two sons.
Born the daughter of steel mill worker William J. and Eva (Lawrence) White, Nancy White Carlstrom was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, on August 4, 1948. She practiced writing poetry, enjoyed reading books like Little Women, and wanted to become a children’s book author at an early age. Carlstrom worked in the children’s department of her local library in Washington during her high school years. She graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, majoring in Elementary Education and earning her B.A. in 1970, also studying at Harvard Extension School and Radcliffe from 1974 to 1976. In September of 1974, she married David R. Carlstrom, later a pilot and a marketing director at Fairbanks International Airport. They had two children—Jesse and Joshua.
She draws inspiration from her 18 years living in Alaska, volunteer experiences in Africa and Haiti, and raising her two sons.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 9, 2026
In this story, Anna is full of energy, curiosity, and a deep connection to nature. She spends her time exploring the outdoors, observing animals, and enjoying the natural world around her.
The target students for this book is elementary and middle school students, especially in classrooms that support diverse learning styles. The language is simple, but the story carries meaningful themes such as individuality, imagination, and appreciation for nature. It can help students understand that it’s okay to be different and that curiosity is a strength. I would include it in my classroom library because it encourages self-expression and can lead to discussions about personality, emotions, and how students see themselves in the world.
The target students for this book is elementary and middle school students, especially in classrooms that support diverse learning styles. The language is simple, but the story carries meaningful themes such as individuality, imagination, and appreciation for nature. It can help students understand that it’s okay to be different and that curiosity is a strength. I would include it in my classroom library because it encourages self-expression and can lead to discussions about personality, emotions, and how students see themselves in the world.
February 12, 2019
Lovely watercolor illustrations by Jerry Pinkeyes, great poetry extolling the joys of outdoor discovery by a little girl. Will be wonderful to read aloud with younger children.
Only downside? This site has a photo of the wrong book. Goodreads, please fix this travesty!
Only downside? This site has a photo of the wrong book. Goodreads, please fix this travesty!
March 30, 2025
At one point it seems like the issue is that Anna's wild play is getting her nice dress all dirty, but they don't go there, so it seems like she just could have been in play clothes.
I can see where the author enjoyed writing it but I don't know that children will enjoy reading it.
I can see where the author enjoyed writing it but I don't know that children will enjoy reading it.
November 29, 2019
Exceptional language and illustrations
June 10, 2023
Simple story to lovely illustrations.
May 11, 2009
This was my very first book not from the library and I loved it.
April 13, 2011
Though she is by herself in the book, she is able to relax and have fun in the sun. Shows students its okay to just go outside and be free.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews