Into the Wild

Joe loves wild animals and nature, but he lives in the city where it feels like there is no wildness to be found.

Yet, Joe realises that there is a vast world of wild nature even in the city, if you know where to find it: hedgehogs snuffle up ants under the bushes, and bird families nest in the branches of the city trees. In fact, Joe’s imagination takes him on a fantastical journey, running wild with zebras and crocodiles in the city streets.

Tucked up safely in bed, Joe knows that the wild is still all around him – and that he is a part of it, too.

This bright and busy picture book will delight young readers with its plethora of gorgeously illustrated animals, and Joe’s adventure into his imaginary wild space. It’s a little reminiscent of Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are: a little boy who may or may not adventure into an imaginary space full of wild animals, but with a focus on finding the wild nature in our cities – and features a black boy protagonist, which is very welcome, especially in a picture book about discovering nature.