Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Excellent art, joyful tale of a child embracing imagination.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE WILDEST THING, a child going to bed dreams of breaking out of her quieter life and being wild. She wakes up and nature has come into her house, so she starts her day with birds, squirrels, plants, and a bear as her couch. Fully immersed in her new world, she runs, hops, howls, and climbs until bedtime, when she falls asleep with quiet in her head and a reassuring voice wishing her a good night.
Is It Any Good?
This beautifully illustrated picture book captures the essence of a child letting their imagination and their body run wild, embracing the connection of movement and mind. The Wildest Thing warmly encourages young readers to listen to their hearts and embrace their individuality, because that is what quiets the mind and brings true happiness. The colors in the book are both warm and vibrant, combining greens and blues with wispy earth tones to beautiful effect.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the child in The Wildest Thing brought her imagination to life, and what that would feel like? Have you ever felt like you were holding back from expressing your true self? What happened?
What does "being wild" mean to you? Can you always be wild? Why or why not?
Who do you know with a good imagination? How does it help them (or you)?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Emily Winfield Martin
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Fantasy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : January 6, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 7
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : January 16, 2026
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