The Wild Before

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What to expect

Can one hare alone change the world? A captivating animal adventure destined to be loved by readers of all ages. A stunning hardback edition printed with recycled materials and eco packaging.

One frosty winter's night, a pure white calf is born on an ordinary muddy farm in the light of a silver moon. This is the legendary Mooncalf, whose arrival has been foretold since the dawn of time.

Hare knows immediately that if the calf is not saved it will be the end of all things.

According to a dream passed down from animal to animal, if the calf dies a great terribleness will come - rising seas, a plague, skies raining down fire... and Hare vows to protect Mooncalf with his life.

Upon Mooncalf's arrival, the old bull summons all the animals of the farm and tells them of this dream, warning that they must help Hare in his mission before it is too late.

But it's easier said than done, and soon Hare realises that he must act on his own...

A stunning prequel to the award-winning bestselling The Last Wild trilogy, with themes of climate change, hope and friendship.

'Piers Torday is the new master of books for children who like magic and modernity with their lust for adventure' The Times

(P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Critics Review

The Last Wild trilogy won the Guardian Children's FIction Prize and is one of the finest children's adventures of the past decade. Now, Torday returns with a prequel set years before the redeye virus has taken hold, when a young hare is the world's only hope of avoiding disaster. I absolutely loved this stunning animal adventure, every bit as accomplished as the original trilogy, although it could also be read as a satisfying standalone. Timely themes of climate change are woven into an unforgettable story of hope and friendship.
The Bookseller - Editor's Choice
An extraordinary book, a fable of our time.Torday creates a truly deep and timely tale and a magnificent prologue to The Last Wild Trilogy. Unsettling parallels to climate change and the underlying causes of the global pandemic, this story will make us think about the impact humans have upon the planet. Astonishing storytelling. I loved it.
Gill Lewis, author of Sky Hawk and A Street Dog Named Pup
Written in vivid and urgent style ... As thrilling as James and the Giant Peach ... The Last Wild may be as critical to the new generation as Tarka the Otter
The Times on The Last Wild trilogy
Piers Torday continues to demonstrate that he is one of the best writers for children working today
The Guardian, on There May Be a Castle
Gripping, original and memorable
Francesca Simon, on The Last Wild trilogy
A stunning, timely and beautifully-written novel about the urgency of saving our planet. We need stories like The Wild Before more than ever, if only so children know they are not alone.
Amy Raphael, Author of The Forest of Moon and Stars

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