Wild

It offers a way to talk about how surroundings can affect belonging, while also encouraging careful observation of ordinary urban nature. The illustrations reinforce this through contrasting colour and atmosphere.

The move away from the countryside may deserve attention if a child is sensitive to change or separation. The child’s loneliness is expressed clearly, though the story is presented as hopeful rather than threatening.

What makes the child feel that she has ‘lost’ her wild, and what changes when she follows the bird? Which parts of your own neighbourhood might she notice first?

Read it aloud slowly, pausing to examine how the city and natural scenes differ. Afterwards, take a short observation walk and look for plants, birds, insects or signs of water.