Wildful

by Kengo Kurimoto

Discover the magic of the wilderness in this breathtaking graphic novel reminiscent of The Secret Garden . Poppy’s mother hasn’t been the same since Gran passed away. She stays inside and watches TV, unable to leave the couch. So maybe that’s why Poppy has started spending more time outside, taking her dog Pepper for walks around the neighborhood. When Pepper leads Poppy through a hole in the fence, she finds a forgotten forest that’s been there all along, as well as a new friend named Rob. Rob teaches Poppy that you can find magic in the wilderness – if you know where to look! Poppy looks, and then she looks closer … and sees flowers opening before her eyes, watches animals slip into their hidden homes, and listens to the sound of water droplets falling gently on puddles, leaves and feathers. She can barely wait to tell Mum about everything she’s seen, and asks her to come see, too – but her mother rarely has the energy to leave the couch. Will Poppy ever be able help her mother see the beauty in the woods – and in life? This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is an exploration of grief, love, and finding magic in the wilderness – and in ourselves.
Key Text Features illustrations
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.7 Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text (e.g., graphic novel, multimedia presentation of fiction, folktale, myth, poem). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3 Describe how a particular story's or drama's plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Nature, Comics, Grief, Fiction, Childrens

216 pages, Hardcover

First published February 6, 2024

Reviews

[s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all] · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the poet Wendell Berry wrote, ‘when despair for the world grows in me…I come into the peace of wild things.’ The world is wonderful and wild and full of beauty when we slow down to look, and to immerse ourselves in the natural world can be quite therapeutic. The summers I spent in my university years working the grounds for a Metro Park are always a warm memory to return to and even the harshest of days never left much of a sting when I soaked in the beauty of the plants and animals around me beneath the vastness of the sky. Such is the message in Kengo Kurimoto’s Wildful, a strikingly beautiful graphic novel that, in few words as possible, immerses us into the peace of wild things. When her dog escapes through a fence during her daily walk, Poppy discovers a dense wilderness tucked away inside the urban sprawl. With stunning artwork and a heartfelt look at overcoming grief, coming together and rediscovering nature, WIldful is a lovely read.

This was such a moving little story that focuses just as much on the human element as it does nature. On her first excursion into this hidden little eden she meets Rob and her awakening into the wonders of the natural world parallels a growing friendship with Rob. The two meet every day to bask in the brilliance of the outdoors and Rob teaches Poppy how to track deer, recognize the calls of birds and open her eyes to the wild. Her homelife, however, comes across under a weight of sorrow in the wake of her grandmother’s death, which has hit her mother particularly hard. ‘Both Poppy’s mum and her gran are both loosely inspired by my own mother,’ author and artist Kurimoto explained in an interview with Forward Review, and there is a sensitivity and earnesty to these characters that really shines.

Image Text: When I’m with you the world feels alive

I was rather impressed how much emotion comes through this story and how well it is told with very minimal dialogue. There is a hushed tone to the tale like one is in the brush with the characters remaining quiet and still in order to not disturb the wildlife. The art is stunning, with vivid details that really pop even with the lack of color. Kurimoto explains that the book came from a desire to return to the simplicity of pen and paper and observe the world around him:

‘One time I became intrigued by how chestnuts form and over the course of a year I drew each stage; starting from a bud, bursting into leaves and flowers, then from flowers into the nut. When you really look, each transformation is nothing short of miraculous, and when you learn to see it in all plants, you see the whole forest in a new way.’

It is a gorgeous book and there are tons of great and adorable illustrations of animals. Such as one of my favorites, the fox!

Okay maybe fox is #2 to red pandas, but I love me a fox. During my time in Dublin I greatly enjoyed the way foxes roam the streets at night like cats do in the city streets of the US. It always felt quite magical, stumbling back as foxes raced around like twilight companions. Shoutout to Irish foxes.

Wildful is a book about opening our eyes to the world but also about opening our hearts to each other. As pretty as it is poignant, this is a book that can be enjoyed by any age.

4.5/5


The Peace of Wild Things
- Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork in this graphic novel is absolutely breathtaking. Nearly wordless, the focus on the storytelling is done via the art rather than the words. The appreciation for nature and all it's wonders are not only central to the illustrations, but also the development of the character Poppy as she attempts to assist her mother in coping with the death of Gran. Though subtle as first, it is clear that the friendship between Rob and Poppy serves as the catalyst for the healing that is brought by immersing oneself in nature. Poppy experiences an entire world she never knew existed. This is absolutely a love letter to nature and a reminder to all of us to slow down and appreciate the world around us.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

With minimal words, and enough graphics to make a movie, the reader is led on a journey that maybe we all need in these crazy times. Nature is wildful yet serene at the same time. Just explore, and watch, and listen, and look closely. Lay back and look at the trees, or the stars. Roll over and see how the flowers grow.

Poppy and her dog Pepper wander into a nearby forest and befriend a similar age boy Rob that likes the peacefulness there too. Poppy sees how Rob is immersed in nature and realizes the positive power of rejuvenation you can feel. Her Mum sits at home thinking about how a recent loss of her own mom. Happily, Poppy gets her Mum to join them.

I really liked how easy the book was to follow per the large number of images. There was so much nature in each one of them, I wanted to see more color. The graphics are all in tones/shades of brown. While highly detailed, I tended to turn the pages too quickly. I think one color page/graphic every now and then would have given me more pause. That takes time and publishing costs for lots of color. But the brown shades strangely kept a dark tone to the entire book.

I also wish the character of Rob was explained/explored a little bit. He came out of nowhere. Neighbor? Not known at school?

Very pleasant book to read to start 2025. I add it to my 'self-help' shelf per its soul-healing quality.
4*

[Meagan Acquisto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an early access copy of Wildful by Kengo Kurimoto.

Wildful is story of loss, discovery, appreciating the small moments, and a great example of mindfulness. The illustrations are beautifully done and draw the reader in. The wording choices are sparse and impactful. Windfall has a wistful feeling that leaves the readers appreciative of the reading experience.

[Devin Willson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Brenda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who love us walk beside us, quietly holding our hands.
just a wonderful nod to grief, seeing the world and you as yourself.

[Brave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to chill after some intense HOFAS stuff. I love this and can't wait to share it with my kids.

[Meredith Hourihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful retelling of The Secret Garden, set in our modern digital age. No words, just illustrations. Perfectly demonstrates how art can communicate all on its own.

[Keisha | A Book Like You · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is pitched as a middle grade graphic novel reminiscent of The Secret Garden. I would more accurately pitch this as a picture book without words (mostly) with a very subtle hint of The Secret Garden. For what it was, I think this was a beautiful depiction of grief, finding joy, and noticing the small, beautiful things we often miss in life - taking time to "stop and smell the roses," if you will. While the plot was lacking and the story was simplistic, I think there was a lot of hidden depth in the artwork and the story. A last note is that this is one of those books that the reader would understand most by reading the synopsis before going into it, as there are few words. The plot is really fleshed out more in the description.

Minor Triggers: Grief, Death of a Loved One

[Leonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I appreciated the detailed nature imagery, there was barely any plot and I wish there had been more to the story.


[I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.]

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une belle fable sur la nature

[Peacegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

WILDFUL is a rare gem on the shelves that graphic novel readers of every age won’t want to miss. The illustrations are gorgeous and the quiet storyline is touching.

With the help of a neighbor child and her clever dog, Poppy, a young girl, discovers a wealth of life in a small wooded area near her suburban home. They discover that by simply sitting quietly, the world of nature comes alive before their eyes—and the overlooked section of land hosts more vibrant animal and plant life than Poppy had thought possible.

The sights and sounds lift Poppy’s spirits, and there is a sweet scene in which Poppy finally convinces her mother, who is mourning the loss of Poppy’s Gran, to join the kids and appreciate this slice of wilderness in their own backyard.

It’s a nod to the healing powers of spending time in nature, as well as a reminder that we can watch, learn about, and enjoy wild animals without ever attempting to do them harm.

Don’t let its quiet presentation cause you to overlook this stunning book.

[Jenn ~ Smalltown Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful middle grade graphic novel. I don’t usually gravitate to the monochromatic art BUT this was beautifully illustrated and just FIT.

Spoiler. I thought Rob was a shapeshifting fox. It feels odd not knowing who he is by the end, but it’s fine.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely beautiful. Great attention to detail. Is it weird to say minimalistic while still being detailed? Just the pleasures of being in a moment and taking in the nature around you with others. Beautiful.

[✧₊⁎Haru • 🦦🪷⁎⁺˳✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

illustrazioni meravigliose ed una storia super delicata in cui la quasi totale assenza di dialogo permette al lettore di immergersi a pieno nel mondo della natura e di tutti i suoi abitanti, una lettura davvero piacevole!!🌱

5⭐️

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review forthcoming

[Lovely Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Mostly pictures, a bit of dialogue.

Great art!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am honestly not a fan of graphic novels, but this one was very well done! While it is categorized as a graphic novel, it is more of a wordless picture book to me. The pictures in the book tell more of a story than the words do, making it an interesting change to what I typically read. I found the illustrations to be wonderful, but I do wish that I could have seen them in color, I think that would add so much more to the story. Highly recommend.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For more reviews and discussions, listen to my podcast The Honest Book Reviewers with Nate and Emma.

https://open.spotify.com/show/3H3ugH4...

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t remember what the secret garden is about, since I read when I was so little. I was thinking it would be like an Alice in wonderland type thing, but nah. It was still a cute story, even though it didn’t have any magic. It was a cozy little slice of life tale. Reminded me of how it felt to play in the woods as a kid. Not what I was expecting at all, but still a cute book. I would recommend this to all kids and any adults who enjoyed playing outside as a kid. Just don’t expect anything magical to happen like the description says, because nothing magical happens. It’s definitely realism. No magical realism. Just realism. Anyway, cute story, would recommend.

I loved the quote, “there’s more to language than just words”. ♥️

(I have an advance readers copy from NetGalley, this quote is subject to change by the time the book is released but loved it too much to not mention it here) I also loved that there weren’t a lot of words in this book. I love picture books because it lets you use your imagination more instead of reading too much dialogue.

Side note: I didn’t like how the girl was making the same face in pretty much every picture. It was the weirdest looking facial expression to be making all the time. As if she just ate some sour lemons. The pictures in general were lacking something, maybe color? If it had some color to add a more whimsical feel to it (and better facial expressions), I would’ve given this a 5 star rating.

Another side note: It also made me cry because my nana died and I’m still grieving her death every day. If you’re going through the death of a grandmother this will definitely make you cry.

In the end -
Nature is so important. Listen to it. The whole world is alive if you pay attention.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I saw a list of The New York Times Best Children’s Books of 2024 and thought that would make a fun little reading challenge.

I read this before the list came out. It is one of the best on the list.)

This is a beautiful book, a graphic novel about the wonder and healing power of nature. The illustrations are lovely. The first word doesn’t appear until page 18.

I love how it starts with Poppy immersed in technology while walking her dog, Pepper. She is completely unaware of anything around her. And then her eyes and ears and heart are opened.

A sweet story of grief and friendship and wonder.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this passing through the library on hold for a patron, and I thought the art looked neat, so I ordered a copy for myself. There's very little text, but the artwork expresses everything so beautifully, there's really no need for many words. It follows a young girl, Poppy, as she begins to pay more attention to the natural world around her. She and her dog Pepper make a nice friend in the woods and eventually she convinces her mother, who is grieving the loss of her own mother, to come out and join them.
The story is gently sweet, and there's a real sense of sound and movement to the art. Highly recommended!

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that this was in greyscale, and not a lot of dialogue. I am also entranced by the concept of starting to pay more attention to the wild world without it becoming preachy.

I have mostly negative feelings about the family stuff and could've done without that. I would have been satisfied with it being a story about two young teenagers.

Overall I enjoyed this and it was a quick read.

[Kaitlyn (ktxx22) Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning from an art perspective. The pages of this book feel like moving pictures. I enjoyed the story, but I do wish there’d been a bit more dialogue. However overall a stunning graphic novel on familial Grief and growing up.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a calming, peaceful story. The artwork was lovely and immersive, even though it was monochromatic. In fact, the monochromatic nature of the book actually made me as the reader slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the process. A wonderful spring read.

[Candance Doerr-Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A meditation on mindful presence in nature for collaborative becoming and healing

Through graphic novel panels rich in facial expressions, human emotion and more than human communications, this story has me thinking about multispecies storytelling and pluralversal literacies.

Used: MPL

[Erica Schimmel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surely some of the most beautiful art I've seen in a graphic novel, and it tells a lovely story with few words. Magnificent!

[Renée S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. I could really hear the birds singing and the frogs chirping and the rain pattering. The lack of words really made me pause and look at the pictures more deeply.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and sweet.