by Sharon Lamar

illustrations by Sharon Lamar

published by Wild in the Swan

produced by Sweetgrass Books

Wild at Heart celebrates a young girl’s unforgettable hike into the wilderness. Along the trail, she and her family are in awe of all that nature has to offer. Each experience delights the senses—from meeting a hummingbird, to savoring juicy huckleberries, to fishing a mountain lake, to climbing a mountain peak for the first time. Throughout this original story, the young girl’s kinship with nature is palpable. The lovingly rendered watercolor illustrations give an accurate portrayal of the forest, lakes, and mountains of the great Northwest.

At first glance, the pages within Wild at Heart simply tell the story of a family's backpack trip. Upon closer examination, it reveals the timeless tale of the connection between nature and child. This book belongs in the collection of anyone who is interested in connecting children to nature: including librarians, teachers, parents, and grandparents. It's sure to inspire kids to get outside and explore our public lands.