Wild Child

Ages 7 to 11, Grades 2 to 6

“A young naturalist [who] inspires with joy, not doom” (The New York Times) and the youngest-ever winner of the Wainwright Prize follows his memoir Diary of a Young Naturalist with this gloriously illustrated children’s book that combines poetry, activities, and knowledge—shared with wonder—to turn young readers into outdoors explorers

A gorgeous book to get kids exploring outside—from “a young naturalist [who] inspires with joy” (The New York Times)

A walk in the woods with Dara McAnulty is no ordinary hike. At just 18, he has earned international attention for his nature writing and activism—including the 2020 Wainwright Prize for his memoir, Diary of a Young Naturalist. Now, in Wild Child, Dara introduces kids to the many joys of the natural world.

Lavishly illustrated by Barry Falls, this multisensory journey kicks off with a look out the window—then wanders into the garden, through the woods, up a hilltop, and along the riverbank. Every chapter comes with creatures to find, fantastic facts, and a project to do: Kids will search for grasshoppers and grubs, learn how oak trees depend on blue jays, try “pond dipping,” build a birdfeeder—and experience wonder, every step of the way.

About the Author

Dara McAnulty is an ambassador for the RSPCA and the Jane Goodall Institute, and he is the youngest-ever recipient of the RSPB conservation medal. Soon to start at Cambridge, he lives in County Down, Ireland. 

Barry Falls has done award-winning illustration work for clients including The New York Times, American Airlines, and The Telegraph. The author of It's Your World Now! and Alone!, he lives in Northern Ireland.