The Wildest Thing by Emily Winfield Martin Genres: Adventure, Animals, Emotions & Feelings, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
Eleanor loved wild things – and inside of her, there was something wild waiting to come out. Her mother calls her back into the house one night, since it is time to go to bed. And when she wakes up, the wild had come in. As she goes about her day surrounded by the wild, Eleanor comes further and further out of her shell embracing the wildness within herself. Finally, when the wild is quiet inside her head, all Eleanor wants is for a bath and to climb into bed. The pencil, gouache, and acrylic illustrations perfectly showcase the wildness coming into Eleanor’s house, as well as her pushing the limits and engaging with her own wildness. The gentle rhyming text makes for a sweet and easy read-aloud. This lovely story feels like a classic tale, and is reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. This cream of the crop nominee would be a welcome addition to any picture book collection. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 (Preschool to 2nd Grade).
Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell