Wild with Child: Adventures of Families in the Great Outdoors

by Mark Jenkins (Contributor), Jennifer Bove, Mark Jenkins (Foreword)

Wild with Child is a unique collection of true stories by parents who boldly head out into the wilderness with kids in tow (or in the lead, as the case may be). These stories run the gamut of winter camping, climbing, spelunking, field research, skiing, llama trekking, fishing, hunting, and searching for pirate treasure with children of all ages. Readers should bundle up before they strike out into the Rocky Mountains with Mark Jenkins, whose idea of quality time with the kids is camping in a snow cave. Leslie Leyland-Fields shares deep gratitude as her brood safely migrates to an Alaskan island by bush plane. Maleesha Speer confides her personal evolution as she awakens to the wonder of her unborn child in bear country. Whether just beginning the course of wild parenting or looking back at the trail they've taken, these writers aren't willing to accept Disneyland as the final frontier. Even the most civilized among them insist that their children grow up feeling grass between their toes and sun on their skin. It’s a healthy heritage, giving kids a steady set of bearings, making them strong, and helping them rise to challenges.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2010

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Salem · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collections of essays on being outside with kids. It's inspired me to make sure I help my niece experience the wonders of wilderness. If you're a camping/hiking/hunting parent, I highly recommend!

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read about half-dozen stories. They were engaging, but not enough to keep me interested in finishing the book. I returned it to the library "undone".