The Wild by Yuval Zommer
ISBN: 0593708989
Genres: Animals, Folklore, Juvenile Fiction / Climate
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

One will be immediately intrigued upon first sight of the cover of The Wild by Yuval Zommer. The extraordinary shades of green and shimmery gold accents culminate together to form a large fox/dragon-like creature that represents the entirety of the Wild in this climate-themed fable.

In this story, people lived lightly in the Wild. They said, “The Wild is so huge and giving that there will always be enough for us.” But the people began to take more and more, and take care of it less and less. One day, a child noticed that the Wild was weak and turning yellow. He spoke up, and others spoke up with him. Together, they learned how to live in harmony—how to give as much as we take. The Wild would be vibrant and green once more. It is a simple message akin to The Lorax, but a powerful one where the illustrations tell much of the story.

Zommer’s work is a fantastic example of quality digital illustration. Every single page could be framed, and his line work and color choice is absolutely stunning. This climate story is a fable of what our world could look like, and it paints a cheerful picture of what that could be. This story might be too rose-colored for some adults, but it’s geared for children, so one can appreciate the hopeful message. Best for ages 3-7.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath