PICTURE BOOKS

The Wildest Thing

by Emily Winfield Martin (text) & illus. by Emily Winfield Martin
Random. Jan. 2026. 48p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9798217023981. PreS-Gr 1
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1–In this delightful rhyming picture book, young Eleanor invites the wilderness into her home and heart. The text is lyrical and buoyant. As the story progresses, she becomes more and more wild, howling with wolves in the hallway, eating with foxes and rabbits at the kitchen table, then coloring on walls, building a makeshift den out of pillows and blankets, and leaping down the staircase. Homage is paid to Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are in several scenes, and in the title. Note: on one page, Eleanor (pale skin, with brown hair) is naked in the bathtub.
VERDICT An excellent read-aloud for young children at home with a parent or older sibling, this book inspires a love of nature and a healthy disregard for all that is prim and proper.
Reviewed by Benjamin Ludwig , Jan 01, 2026

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

Who Will Rule the Trees?
by Kimmel, Eric A.
FICTION

Go Bananas!
by Peele, A. B.
FICTION

The Dark Is For
by Kohuth, Jane
FICTION

Spirit Shadow
by Reno, Ginger
FICTION

Turtle Slept In
by Grant, Jacob
FICTION

Breathe Deep
by Leeds, Joanie
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?