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Wild World
Hot, wet rainforest.
What is hidden below your green roof?
A steamy shadow-land
Of strangle-vines, scrambling
for a shaft of light,
Lush leaves searching for a
glimmer in the gloom . . .
A beautifully illustrated treasury of poems about the last wildernesses on Earth, from the crystal kingdom Arctic to the dusty savannah and the black-as-space deep sea. Stunning artwork brings 13 endangered habitats to life, while factual information at the back details the danger facing these incredible places.
Kirkus Reviews praised Wild World , saying, "McAllister’s lovely, lyrical works provide fascinating perspectives on the Earth’s varied—and fragile—natural habitats while inspiring mindfulness and a sense of stewardship. . . . Wild World is the perfect blend of poetry and environmentalism."
What is hidden below your green roof?
A steamy shadow-land
Of strangle-vines, scrambling
for a shaft of light,
Lush leaves searching for a
glimmer in the gloom . . .
A beautifully illustrated treasury of poems about the last wildernesses on Earth, from the crystal kingdom Arctic to the dusty savannah and the black-as-space deep sea. Stunning artwork brings 13 endangered habitats to life, while factual information at the back details the danger facing these incredible places.
Kirkus Reviews praised Wild World , saying, "McAllister’s lovely, lyrical works provide fascinating perspectives on the Earth’s varied—and fragile—natural habitats while inspiring mindfulness and a sense of stewardship. . . . Wild World is the perfect blend of poetry and environmentalism."
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2018
2 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Angela McAllister
122 books49 followersAngela McAllister is an award- winning author of over eighty books for children, including picture books, junior fiction, non-fiction and novels. Her work has been adapted for the stage and is widely used in schools. It has been translated into more than twenty languages. She lives in the south of England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 22, 2018
I got this via Netgalley in exchange for a review but all thoughts are 100% my own.
I loved how the poems feature certain environmentas that are being threatened by extinction. It's something very often discussed on my course at uni and it made for an even more engaging topic in poem form.
The illustrations were stunning and I'd love prints of them. The blank windows in them kind of frigten me, but I understand it to be our mark as humanity blemishing them...I loved how the animals were written in italics. It makes them feel like there is more power in the point being driven and I also feel like it would highlight animals to a younger reader for them to then go and research those they didn't know much about.
It has an interesting pattern... Almost story like to read, which makes it even more mesmerising.
Prarie, Woodland, Rock pool and Deep sea were favourites put of the 13 poems. Being poems however, it made for a very quick read.
The information about how our wild world is being lost was made even clearer at the end, letting us know what is happening and what we can do, in a basic way for all to understand.
I really hope this book can make a difference because it is beautiful inside and out. I think it would be amazing if a portion of the earnings made on sales went to helping the planet.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy >(^_^)<
Gén
I loved how the poems feature certain environmentas that are being threatened by extinction. It's something very often discussed on my course at uni and it made for an even more engaging topic in poem form.
The illustrations were stunning and I'd love prints of them. The blank windows in them kind of frigten me, but I understand it to be our mark as humanity blemishing them...I loved how the animals were written in italics. It makes them feel like there is more power in the point being driven and I also feel like it would highlight animals to a younger reader for them to then go and research those they didn't know much about.
It has an interesting pattern... Almost story like to read, which makes it even more mesmerising.
Prarie, Woodland, Rock pool and Deep sea were favourites put of the 13 poems. Being poems however, it made for a very quick read.
The information about how our wild world is being lost was made even clearer at the end, letting us know what is happening and what we can do, in a basic way for all to understand.
I really hope this book can make a difference because it is beautiful inside and out. I think it would be amazing if a portion of the earnings made on sales went to helping the planet.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy >(^_^)<
Gén
March 6, 2018
This is a beautifully illustrated book showing ecosystems that are in danger throughout the world. Each of them is described using freeform poetry. There are thirteen described in total. The description includes animals that live there, as well as some of the plants and the climate. You could spend time on each page looking at the various life depicted. This would fit in perfectly with an ecosystem or environmental unit, as it provides the additional level of addressing how climate change has affected each of these ecosystems. The back of the book has further information about each of the ecosystems and what they provide to the world. There is also a final call to the reader about finding out what they can do to protect the ecosystems. This would lead into further research and possible projects or presentations. A wonderful book for all family, public, class and school libraries. The text form is not one that I prefer, but it is informative without sounding text bookish. The publisher provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. These are my own honest opinions.
February 22, 2018
3.5 stars.
The ecosystems unit in fourth grade science was one of my favorite units in all of grade school. Learning about all sorts of different biomes, all neatly categorized, was just so FUN. This book covers the main ecosystems throughout the world by describing them through a freeform poem. The illustrations match up with the poem perfectly, and I liked the touch of having the animals italicized in the poem to key readers in on searching for them. The illustrations were my favorite part of the book as they vibrantly capture each ecosystem and the animals within without feeling overcrowded.
This would fit in perfectly with an ecosystem or environmental unit, as it provides the additional level of addressing how climate change has affected each of these ecosystems. The call to action at the end definitely lends itself to a segue into a project about what students can do to help the planet.
The reason I’m giving this 3.5 stars is that I wasn’t crazy about the poems. They were informative and captured the ecosystems nicely, but I’ve never been a fan of free form poetry, especially poetry that is supposed to be factual as well as literary. Maybe I’m still a kid at heart, but if this had been in a fun rhyming scheme, it’d definitely have gotten 4 full stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
The ecosystems unit in fourth grade science was one of my favorite units in all of grade school. Learning about all sorts of different biomes, all neatly categorized, was just so FUN. This book covers the main ecosystems throughout the world by describing them through a freeform poem. The illustrations match up with the poem perfectly, and I liked the touch of having the animals italicized in the poem to key readers in on searching for them. The illustrations were my favorite part of the book as they vibrantly capture each ecosystem and the animals within without feeling overcrowded.
This would fit in perfectly with an ecosystem or environmental unit, as it provides the additional level of addressing how climate change has affected each of these ecosystems. The call to action at the end definitely lends itself to a segue into a project about what students can do to help the planet.
The reason I’m giving this 3.5 stars is that I wasn’t crazy about the poems. They were informative and captured the ecosystems nicely, but I’ve never been a fan of free form poetry, especially poetry that is supposed to be factual as well as literary. Maybe I’m still a kid at heart, but if this had been in a fun rhyming scheme, it’d definitely have gotten 4 full stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
February 20, 2018
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
So I am normally not a big fan of poetry, but I just couldn't resist this one. The cover just was too pretty + I am a big fan of animals/nature.
And boy, I am happy I did try out this book as I had quite a lot of fun reading it. The book features 13 habitats on earth, from mountains to deserts. All of them accompanied by gorgeous illustrations and a poem telling us about the various animals that live in a place and about that habitat itself as well.
The poems are pretty gorgeously written and enjoyed reading them. Here is an example, this one is from The Outback:
"Soon, a sky of diamonds will sparkle in the billabong.
Hour of the old stories.
For this is a land made in Dreamtime."
The illustrations are really a gem, be sure to check them out (and not just focus on the poems). Some of the illustrations feature various hidden creatures, and all of them are just so pretty to look at and find all sorts of fun details.
Plus points to the last part of the book with more information about the various habitats.
All in all, a book I would recommend to everyone, even if you are like me and not a big fan of poetry, this book will charm you.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
So I am normally not a big fan of poetry, but I just couldn't resist this one. The cover just was too pretty + I am a big fan of animals/nature.
And boy, I am happy I did try out this book as I had quite a lot of fun reading it. The book features 13 habitats on earth, from mountains to deserts. All of them accompanied by gorgeous illustrations and a poem telling us about the various animals that live in a place and about that habitat itself as well.
The poems are pretty gorgeously written and enjoyed reading them. Here is an example, this one is from The Outback:
"Soon, a sky of diamonds will sparkle in the billabong.
Hour of the old stories.
For this is a land made in Dreamtime."
The illustrations are really a gem, be sure to check them out (and not just focus on the poems). Some of the illustrations feature various hidden creatures, and all of them are just so pretty to look at and find all sorts of fun details.
Plus points to the last part of the book with more information about the various habitats.
All in all, a book I would recommend to everyone, even if you are like me and not a big fan of poetry, this book will charm you.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
February 16, 2018
I really enjoyed Wild World, a collection of poetry about many of Earth's most recognizable wild places that contain animal habitats. The poetry is paired with lovely, colorful illustrations featuring many animals found in each type of place.
The poetry contains some wonderful imagery and metaphor, and as such is probably beyond preschoolers, but for older children and adults this is a lovely way to learn and be reminded about these animal habitats, and references to the food chain help prevent these vignettes from becoming romanticized. There are some general environments covered here such as jungles, deserts, mountains, etc., but also some more specific ones such as moorlands, mangroves, and the Australian Outback.
(Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.)
The poetry contains some wonderful imagery and metaphor, and as such is probably beyond preschoolers, but for older children and adults this is a lovely way to learn and be reminded about these animal habitats, and references to the food chain help prevent these vignettes from becoming romanticized. There are some general environments covered here such as jungles, deserts, mountains, etc., but also some more specific ones such as moorlands, mangroves, and the Australian Outback.
(Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.)
November 13, 2021
A lovely book about the different habitats of the world! A lyrical poem boom that doesn’t necessarily follow any poem structure.
Each poem describes a different habitat and the types of animals that live in there. Children can spot the animals in the illustrations too.
Also, raises awareness about climate change and how the world has or is changing.
Each poem describes a different habitat and the types of animals that live in there. Children can spot the animals in the illustrations too.
Also, raises awareness about climate change and how the world has or is changing.
February 21, 2018
I was not expecting this to be a poetry book. But it is. Each poem is about a landscape and those that inhabit that landscape. The book is a cry for the reader to help save these wild places. The book is stunning. The illustrations could hang on any wall.
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March 10, 2024Through creative poetry and stunning illustrations, this book is sure to give readers of all ages a new or increased appreciation for nature and the environment!
This book contains poems and artwork for a large majority of the world's natural environments, including mountains, forests, prairies, deserts, and the vast sea/ocean. As someone who has always loved the great outdoors and its animals, "Wild World" really spoke to my heart!
Thank you #NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing me with #WildWorld to read and review!
This book contains poems and artwork for a large majority of the world's natural environments, including mountains, forests, prairies, deserts, and the vast sea/ocean. As someone who has always loved the great outdoors and its animals, "Wild World" really spoke to my heart!
Thank you #NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing me with #WildWorld to read and review!
February 22, 2018
Such a wonderful book to introduce children to nature. And most importantly, the main focus of "Wild World" is to teach our children how to preserve and to love our wonderful planet-
"The Wild World is in Danger,
Calling with many voices for your care.
What we see may soon be gone,
Learn how to protect it."
The illustrations and prose are rendered beautifully. Unlike other Wide Eyed Editions' picture books, "Wild World" targets younger children with easy to remember poems and simple illustrations but equally enjoyable for older kids and adults. A great book to read with children during reading time, or simply to savor the beautiful artwork and prose even for adults with no children.
Because the focus of "Wild World" weights less on information, it might be less informational, relatively speaking, when compare to other titles from the Wide Eyed series. But it does not mean "Wild World" is less valuable in my opinion.
Again, I am a long time fan of Wide Eyed Editions and I own a good collection of books by the publisher. "Wild World" will definitely be added to my personal library.
"The Wild World is in Danger,
Calling with many voices for your care.
What we see may soon be gone,
Learn how to protect it."
The illustrations and prose are rendered beautifully. Unlike other Wide Eyed Editions' picture books, "Wild World" targets younger children with easy to remember poems and simple illustrations but equally enjoyable for older kids and adults. A great book to read with children during reading time, or simply to savor the beautiful artwork and prose even for adults with no children.
Because the focus of "Wild World" weights less on information, it might be less informational, relatively speaking, when compare to other titles from the Wide Eyed series. But it does not mean "Wild World" is less valuable in my opinion.
Again, I am a long time fan of Wide Eyed Editions and I own a good collection of books by the publisher. "Wild World" will definitely be added to my personal library.
March 1, 2018
The first thing that one notices about Wild World by Angela McAllister is the illustrations. These are beautifully done in vivid colors. Then as the peom is read, both young and old can’t help but to find the animals mentioned. Some are easier found than others, butit is great fun to look for them. More than the text it was the illustrations that caught and held my grandchildren’s attention.
This is an interesting way to learn of the different biomes of the world. While there is not an overly dwelling on the harshness of life in the wild world, it is part the poems. This gives the book a realistic and genuine view of animal life. Wild World is an interest catching and entertianing introduction to the habitait of the animal world.
The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my opinion and thoughts.
This is an interesting way to learn of the different biomes of the world. While there is not an overly dwelling on the harshness of life in the wild world, it is part the poems. This gives the book a realistic and genuine view of animal life. Wild World is an interest catching and entertianing introduction to the habitait of the animal world.
The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my opinion and thoughts.
April 7, 2020
Extended review of Wild World by Angela McAllister and Hvass&Hannibal
An anthology of poetry describing different habitats with beautiful illustration and imagery from the poems. The two go hand in hand to create an experience that makes you feel like you are there with animals that inhabit these habitats.
From rainforest to arctic this book covers a range of different habitats and although the description is there to please the mind and create beautiful imagery in the readers head. It does also have groundings in fact. Allowing this book to be used a resource in both literacy, for supporting description and poetry, and science.
The illustrations show accurate representations of the different animals in the book which further supports its use in science lessons. The book would be useful to explore habitats with year 4 class.
I really love McAllister’s choice of language in this book. With phrases like: “Ripening sun”, “gaudy fish”, “mighty antler crown”, “across many burning horizons”. This book is a really good example of how authors can manipulate words and create amazing works of art by writing poetry.
In this book McAllister has very clever metaphors and would be useful to use these as an example for any year 5/6 class who might be learning this. As well as this she uses powerful adjectives and verbs to describe the environment and how things move within in it.
Almost as a prologue there is a section at the end that goes into more detail about each of the habitats. Describing the features of that habitat and what impact human activity is having on it. Allowing the reader to reflect on the impact of humanity on our planet.
The poetry structure is slightly repetitive only really focusing on free verse. However, this fact is totally outweighed by the beautiful illustrations and creative language that McAllister and Hvass&Hannibal have created in this book.
An anthology of poetry describing different habitats with beautiful illustration and imagery from the poems. The two go hand in hand to create an experience that makes you feel like you are there with animals that inhabit these habitats.
From rainforest to arctic this book covers a range of different habitats and although the description is there to please the mind and create beautiful imagery in the readers head. It does also have groundings in fact. Allowing this book to be used a resource in both literacy, for supporting description and poetry, and science.
The illustrations show accurate representations of the different animals in the book which further supports its use in science lessons. The book would be useful to explore habitats with year 4 class.
I really love McAllister’s choice of language in this book. With phrases like: “Ripening sun”, “gaudy fish”, “mighty antler crown”, “across many burning horizons”. This book is a really good example of how authors can manipulate words and create amazing works of art by writing poetry.
In this book McAllister has very clever metaphors and would be useful to use these as an example for any year 5/6 class who might be learning this. As well as this she uses powerful adjectives and verbs to describe the environment and how things move within in it.
Almost as a prologue there is a section at the end that goes into more detail about each of the habitats. Describing the features of that habitat and what impact human activity is having on it. Allowing the reader to reflect on the impact of humanity on our planet.
The poetry structure is slightly repetitive only really focusing on free verse. However, this fact is totally outweighed by the beautiful illustrations and creative language that McAllister and Hvass&Hannibal have created in this book.
September 29, 2018
Wild World is a beautiful non-fiction poetry book exploring habitats from around the world.
Thirteen habitats from around the world, including Moorland, Prairie, Desert, Rock Pool and Mangrove among others, are shared through beautiful illustrations and stunning poetry.
An unusual combination of non-fiction and poetry, Wild World introduces readers to different habitats from around the world, and the animals and plants that can be found there, through both poignant poetry and intricate illustrations. The magic and wonder of each environment seep through the colours, drawings and poetry which carefully mirror each other.
‘Angler fish glow with living light to lure their prey,
Jellyfish sparkle,
Shrimp warn with a dazzling flash.’
Children can search each double page spread for the animals named in each poem. As each habitat is beautifully captured, the reader develops a strong sense not just of a wild world but a wonderful world. Alongside a wondrous celebration of nature, art and poetry, the book delivers a gentle conservation message through a fact file at the back of the book which introduces some of threats these different habitats are facing.
This would be a perfect book to accompany a geography unit about world habitats or introduce children to the wonders of the natural world and the threats they face. After reading some of the poems, children could choose other habitats and create their own poetry.
Thirteen habitats from around the world, including Moorland, Prairie, Desert, Rock Pool and Mangrove among others, are shared through beautiful illustrations and stunning poetry.
An unusual combination of non-fiction and poetry, Wild World introduces readers to different habitats from around the world, and the animals and plants that can be found there, through both poignant poetry and intricate illustrations. The magic and wonder of each environment seep through the colours, drawings and poetry which carefully mirror each other.
‘Angler fish glow with living light to lure their prey,
Jellyfish sparkle,
Shrimp warn with a dazzling flash.’
Children can search each double page spread for the animals named in each poem. As each habitat is beautifully captured, the reader develops a strong sense not just of a wild world but a wonderful world. Alongside a wondrous celebration of nature, art and poetry, the book delivers a gentle conservation message through a fact file at the back of the book which introduces some of threats these different habitats are facing.
This would be a perfect book to accompany a geography unit about world habitats or introduce children to the wonders of the natural world and the threats they face. After reading some of the poems, children could choose other habitats and create their own poetry.
November 9, 2020
This is a beautiful picture book featuring ecosystems in danger. Each page/ecosystem has a poem highlighting the animals and plant life that live there.
I read this to my son a few pages at a time as we snuggled in the mornings. Other books I’ve seen by this author are larger books, so I was surprised by this one...:it could be read in one sitting, if you wanted to. Although slow down! My son loved finding the animals in the poems and pointing out the different things he knew about in the beautiful illustrations! It’s a really pretty book! I don’t normally review picture books, but this one really needed a shoutout!
I read this to my son a few pages at a time as we snuggled in the mornings. Other books I’ve seen by this author are larger books, so I was surprised by this one...:it could be read in one sitting, if you wanted to. Although slow down! My son loved finding the animals in the poems and pointing out the different things he knew about in the beautiful illustrations! It’s a really pretty book! I don’t normally review picture books, but this one really needed a shoutout!
April 8, 2018
Colorful (if not kind of busy) illustrations. This was okay.
However, the text describing the danger of losing some of our world's animal habitats is deep...WAY too deep for children. I think this book needs an audience that is much more sophisticated than the intended audience. I lost interest very quickly. I can't imagine a scenario in which a child would be enthralled by this book. There's no clear, understandable message that would touch a child. An adult? Sure. Children? I just don't see it.
However, the text describing the danger of losing some of our world's animal habitats is deep...WAY too deep for children. I think this book needs an audience that is much more sophisticated than the intended audience. I lost interest very quickly. I can't imagine a scenario in which a child would be enthralled by this book. There's no clear, understandable message that would touch a child. An adult? Sure. Children? I just don't see it.
February 15, 2018
The use of the imagery and the poems made it a fun and interesting read. I've never read a picture book like this before and really liked how it put across the message of conservation and leaving alone the natural world. The poems were well thought out and i liked how it ranged across all kind of habitats from the arctic to the plains.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2019
*Read and reviewed for consideration for the Beehive Award: Poetry Category*
This one was middling for me. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. The artwork and the words are nice, but there's not much heart or energy behind it. Certainly not something that kids will gravitate toward. There are enough nature-themed poetry books vying for a spot on the nominee list that I feel like there are better ones to choose from.
This one was middling for me. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. The artwork and the words are nice, but there's not much heart or energy behind it. Certainly not something that kids will gravitate toward. There are enough nature-themed poetry books vying for a spot on the nominee list that I feel like there are better ones to choose from.
February 15, 2018
Beautifully illustrated ode to the wild places on our planet which are ever more under threat from pollution and the expansion of human society. Exactly the kind of thing we should be reading to our children so they can appreciate the beauty of nature before it disappears and, hopefully, will inspire us all to do something about stopping habitat degradation.
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
September 24, 2019
A beautifully illustrated and musically written book of poems all about the environments and habitats of our world.
Each poem about a different type of land and habitat includes animals and wildlife from the area, that you can spot in the accompanying illustrations.
And on top of that, the book encourages children to consider their impact on our world and how they can help to protect it!
Each poem about a different type of land and habitat includes animals and wildlife from the area, that you can spot in the accompanying illustrations.
And on top of that, the book encourages children to consider their impact on our world and how they can help to protect it!
December 2, 2024
Genre: poetry, informational
Grade Level: k-2
This book is brilliant. There are so many different biomes in our world, and this beautiful book describes each one through poetry. There's facts about each world hidden in the lines of artful storytelling so that children are being informed without feeling bombarded with information.
Grade Level: k-2
This book is brilliant. There are so many different biomes in our world, and this beautiful book describes each one through poetry. There's facts about each world hidden in the lines of artful storytelling so that children are being informed without feeling bombarded with information.
July 17, 2025
Such a beautiful book! The gorgeous illustrations and inspiring poetry immerse you in each habitat such that you stand in awe of the beauty, power and diversity of each setting with its flora and fauna, landscapes and weather. Back matter encourages thoughtful stewardship of our earth and provides some ideas (albeit very basic) that we can do to help protect our planet.
October 29, 2018
This is a really beautiful book of poetry, ranging from rainforests to the coral reef, it features different parts of the world and ecosystems which are in danger. Important themes and beautiful illustrations.
October 4, 2020
Teach your kids (and adults) about the amazingly beautiful world we have and how we're failing it. The author includes some info on how you as an individual can find ways to try and save our beautiful wild world.
April 4, 2018
Absolutely gorgeous illustrations and poetry. Highly recommended - I cannot wait to use in Kindergarten next year.
April 24, 2018
I love poetry and the poetry in this book is outstanding! I would love to use this book to talk about different climates and habitats around the world!
May 9, 2018
Gorgeously illustrated ode to thirteen habitats in this stunning tribute to our beautiful world.
May 10, 2018
Poetic descriptions of various ecosystems are accompanied by vivid illustrations that bring the words to life.
September 5, 2018
Beautiful nature poetry to match the illustrations.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
December 11, 2019
Love the range of locations covered and the illustrations are colorful and rich.
June 27, 2020
I love that this is composed with free form poetry. Perfect for reading aloud.
April 21, 2022
Beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews