Wild Child (Paperback)

~ (Author), Greg Couch (Illustrator) "Time for bed," Mother Earth said..." (more)
Key Phrases: wild child

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The bouncing, methodical rhyme scheme that served Plourde well in her humorous Pig in the Mud in the Middle of the Rud and her recent Moose, of Course! works against the theme in this bedtime book. As Mother Earth repeatedly tries to put her daughter to sleep, she's met with the same reply, " 'Not for a while,' said her wild child," who comes up with a variety of stalling tactics, including a song, a snack and, of course, a kiss goodnight. Each spread offers a number of clues as to the wild child's identity, most of which are smoothly integrated into Couch's (Moonball) artwork. While he keeps the girl visibly human in face and stature, fall leaves make up her hair; and hills, streams and stones comprise Mother Earth's beautifully sensuous lines and curves as she gives her daughter the gifts of the season (e.g., a snack of "Crunchy, munchy,/ chewy chestnuts./ Plumpy, lumpy,/ pulpy pumpkins"). His subtle brushwork and golden palette convey a dusk slowly metamorphosing to nightfall. Unfortunately, the jarring closing lines, which describe the mother's kiss, end the book on an eerie note: "A gusty, blustery, twisty embrace./ A crystalish, icicle-ish,/ icebergy kiss." Couch's artwork, showing Mother Earth tucking the girl (revealed to be Autumn) into bed, softens the imagery, but readers may well be put off by the cool language for a ritual usually characterized by warmth. Ages 3-8. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

chipmunks patter..." to the last caress, "A whooshy, whirlishy,/windswept snuggle," Mother Earth tries to put her wild child, Autumn, to bed. Washes of liquid acrylic in warm browns, greens, and russets fill each double-page spread; the monumental Mother is molded from mountains with tresses of sun-streaked clouds. Autumn is attired in flaming foliage-a whirling dervish of energy. Plourde's inventive rhythm and rhyme keep step with the activity in the forests and fields. Both storytime audiences and individual readers will delight in detecting the changing form and palette used to depict Mother Earth as time passes, and they will rejoice that just as Autumn drifts off to sleep, another child appears: Winter! Pair this with Chris Van Allsburg's The Stranger (Houghton, 1986) for a program presenting intriguing fall personalities. Wild Child will go "a-swooshing" and "a-swirling" off of your shelves.
Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689863497
• ISBN-13: 978-0689863493
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.3 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #241,339 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Have in Your Child's Library, January 30, 2002

By	J. Peffer "Wabi Sabi Literati" (Napa, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Wild Child (Hardcover)

I loved this book. I loved it even more when I read it to my 9-year-old daughter. We now have to read it over and over again before bedtime. It is such a beautifully illustrated book and the words reflect the sometimes exhausting patience and everlasting love we all have for our children. I cannot wait to read Winter Waits.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book, February 14, 2002

By	trisha deegan (nashville, tn United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wild Child (Hardcover)

I have collected childrens books for many years and this is one of the most beautiful books i have ever come across...each of my daughters love it and I love reading it...the language is beautiful and the illustrations are fantastic.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Descriptive Language, May 28, 2001

By	Ms. Brock (CA, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wild Child (Hardcover)

I have used this book in the classroom with fourth graders to teach the foundations of figurative language (metaphors and simile). Lynn Plourde's descriptive language, combined with Greg Couch's soft illustrations provide a whimsical and vivid story for children of all ages! Wild Child is a lovely book that can be used across the curriculum.