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“A story of relationships and connection … A necessary addition for celebrating the outdoors.”

– School Library Journal, Starred Review

“Kurimoto employs ballpoint and ink to finely render delicate, richly detailed grayscale art in this sparsely worded debut, which elegantly conveys Poppy’s wide-eyed delight at each new discovery and the healing powers of connection and time spent out of doors.”

– Publishers Weekly

Wildful

Written by Kengo Kurimoto
Illustrated by Kengo Kurimoto
Published by Groundwood Books

Poppy’s mother hasn’t been the same since Gran passed away. She stays inside and watches TV, unable to leave the couch. So maybe that’s why Poppy has started spending more time outside, taking her dog Pepper for walks around the neighborhood. When Pepper leads Poppy through a hole in the fence, she finds a forgotten forest that’s been there all along, as well as a new friend named Rob.

Rob teaches Poppy that you can find magic in the wilderness – if you know where to look! Poppy looks, and then she looks closer … and sees flowers opening before her eyes, watches animals slip into their hidden homes, and listens to the sound of water droplets falling gently on puddles, leaves and feathers. She can barely wait to tell Mum about everything she’s seen, and asks her to come see, too – but her mother rarely has the energy to leave the couch. Will Poppy ever be able help her mother see the beauty in the woods – and in life?

This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is an exploration of grief, love, and finding magic in the wilderness – and in ourselves.

Primary ISBN: 9781773068626
Publication Date: February 2024
Available As: Hardcover
Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Age 09 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United Kingdom

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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