Take a nature walk with Dara McAnulty and learn all about our native birds, animals, trees and flowers.

Shortlisted for The Wainwright Prize for Nature and Conservation Writing for Children
Shortlisted for the Edward Stanford Children's Travel Book of the Year

Join the brilliant Dara McAnulty, winner of the Wainwright Prize for Diary of a Young Naturalist, as he takes you on a nature walk that starts just beyond your own front door, and shares the joy of connecting with the natural world on a multi sensory journey.

Wild Child: A Journey Through Nature is a beautiful book, illustrated in full colour by Barry Falls, and divided into five sections: looking out of the window, venturing out into the garden, walking in the woods, investigating heathland and wandering on the river bank.

Dara pauses to tell you about each habitat and provides fantastic facts about the native birds, animals and plants you will find there – including wrens, blackbirds, butterflies, tadpoles, bluebells, bees, hen harriers, otters, dandelions, oak trees and many more.

Each section contains a discovery section where you will have a closer look at natural phenomenon such as metamorphoses and migration, learn about categorization in the animal kingdom or become an expert on the collective nouns for birds.

Every chapter finishes with an activity to do when you get home: plant wild flowers, make a bird feeder, try pond dipping, make a journey stick and build a terrarium.

Dara closes the book with his own inspirational advice for young conservationists, making this the perfect guide for an aspiring naturalist.

"From the prize-winning young naturalist, this is a dreamy dive into the natural world to thrill wildlife fans of six-plus." - The Guardian

"Dara speaks very directly to child readers, taking them on a personal journey, introducing them to facts and phenomena that fascinate him and encouraging exploration. His love of lore and language as well as his respect for nature shine through in the poetic text which is carefully integrated with the illustrations." - Books for Keeps

"Naturalist Dara McAnulty helps children explore local habitats, identifying animals and plants. It’s a treasure trove of facts and projects such as making a bird feeder or terrarium." - Daily Express

"In this fact-packed guide, beautifully illustrated by Barry Falls, his distinctive and poetic voice leads us from the garden through to rivers, woods and uplands to discover birds, insects and plants. Each section has things to make and the message comes over loud and clear: take care of nature and connect with your inner wild child. Perfect for all the family.”" - Daily Mail

"Wild Child is the new title from Dara McAnulty – winner of the 2020 Wainwright Prize for Diary of a Young Naturalist. It’s illustrated by Barry Falls, geared to anyone from the age of six-plus and full of carefully observed insights into the natural world" - The Irish Independent

"Every page is beautiful but is packed with information too: anything from a brief history of species classification to the collective nouns for birds. There are even instructions on how to make a terrarium and bird feeder – perfect for all children who long to be wild." - The Independent

"Wild Child: A Journey Through Nature is a beautiful mix of storytelling, poetry, science, craft and nature, all gloriously illustrated by Barry Falls. Dara McAnulty and Barry Falls have created a really exciting journey through nature that children will want to read again and again. The multi-faceted approach allows the reader to experience the wonders of nature in a range of ways. A must for any parent, and every classroom." - Reading Zone