Run Wild

PreS-Gr 4—This lushly illustrated ode to outdoor play and nature should inspire even the most reluctant couch potato to get out and "run wild." A young girl runs past the window of a boy engrossed in some portable screen, inviting him to "OPEN that door and…Chase the wind…Can you grab it?" She has plenty of other suggestions about how to have fun outside like jumping in the mud, running wild, exploring, going for a swim, and observing the wildlife. "Take a deep breath. 1–2-3! Be a fish in the salty sea. Now, UP for air! Just float there…Waves. Rolling. Daydreams. Flowing." There are birds, beetles, worms, clams, butterflies, chipmunks, and slugs to see. The back blurb reveals that Covell "grew up in the wilds of Maine and only came home when it was time for dinner." The joys and wonders of his childhood are vividly recalled in this invigorating, celebratory poem. Full spreads in bold, impressionistic pen-and-ink and watercolor images reflect the movement and freedom of the outdoors.