Wild Child

Author Dara McAnulty, illustrated by Barry Falls
Narrator Dara McAnulty
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Run Time 1 hours
Format Audio
Genre Children’s / Teenage general interest: Ecosystems, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Plants and trees, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Wildlife and habitats, Children’s / Teenage social issues: Environment and green issues.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

Join brilliant young naturalist Dara McAnulty - Winner of the 2020 Wainwright Prize for his book Diary of a Young Naturalist - on a audiobook nature walk and experience the joy of connecting with the natural world on your journey featuring a lush multi-layered soundscape of the noises you would hear outside as well as beautiful narration by Dara himself and original music.

This beautiful audiobook is 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 more details of natural phenomenon such as metamorphoses and migration, learn about categorization in the animal kingdom or become an expert on the collective nouns for birds.

Each section will include unique sound effects that will surround the listener with the noises of nature - from the birdsong you'll hear in your garden to the babbling water on the riverside.

Dara ends the book with advice for young conservationists and how to follow the countryside code.

Critics Review

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

More from the same

Narrator

Diary of a Young Naturalist

About xigxag

Enjoy the best audiobooks on xigxag, an innovative, user-friendly audiobook platform that makes it easy to find, purchase, and enjoy your favorite books in audio format. xigxag’s flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less – affordable prices and the best audiobook deals with no subscription required. Give the perfect gift with our audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

xigxag’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices ensures a guilt-free listening experience from an exceptional digital book platform – an exciting alternative to big tech. Enjoy audiobooks from the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service and a leader in audiobook innovation.

Search effortlessly, read honest audiobook reviews evaluating both the book and the narration, and discover hidden gems. Download or stream top audiobook titles anytime, anywhere and get the best possible listening experience on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Experience the future of audiobooks today.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to get tailored content recommendations, product updates and info on new releases. Your data is your own: we commit to protect your data and respect your privacy.

Find your favourite titles