Celebrate Earth Day with Wildspeak

 

 

WILDSPEAK

Written by Sangma Francis

Illustrated by Lexi Vangsnes

(Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; $18.99, Ages 4-9)

 

 

 

 

 ★Starred Reviews – Indie NEXT Pick, Kirkus, School Library Journal

 

PUBLISHER SUMMARY:

Where the stream twists and sparkles? That’s SUNGLITTER. Where the sunset touches the sky? That’s CLOUDBLOOM. Come take a walk full of the delight of real nature words—mayflies, sea snails, blackbirds, brambles—and full of the joy of new words just waiting to be discovered. Perfect as an inspiration before, during, or after a walk, WILDSPEAK invites readers into the wide possibilities of the natural world, and the wild landscapes of their own imaginations!

 

REVIEW: 

This book made me want to go outside and head to the nearest beach, stream, or woods. Wildspeak: Exploring Nature Through Imagination and Creative Language, written by Sangma Francis and illustrated by Lexi Vangsnes, is just the joyful book I needed as Earth Day 2026 approaches. I felt a cool breeze as I read it. I heard the splash of water and the excited voices of children playing and discovering our wonderful “wildspeak” inviting world. Whether scenes are by the water, in a meadow, or in a forest, this picture book showcases the best nature has to offer and celebrates it in every gorgeous spread.

 

 

 

 

This colorful and creative approach to nature will inspire even the most reluctant of readers to embrace the curiosity shared by two adventurous sisters. Cora and Ada take pleasure not only in discovering nature’s gifts but also in inventing new words to describe them (see illustrations). Look at all the fabulous ways there are to name “seeds caught up in a breeze.” What is your favorite? Mine is airdancers, but a giant’s sneeze is a close second. Not only are these words fun to say, but they’re also invitations for young readers to come up with their own. Their very own wildspeak!

 

 

 

 

Take readers outside to play in a field, a meadow, or at the beach, and ask them what words come to mind. It’s not just about what they see, but also what they feel and hear, because when nature embraces children, it speaks its own unique language, and no two people experience it quite the same way.

 

 

 

 

The scene above by the shoreline is one that resonated for me as a lover of lighthouses and tidepools. I imagined the creatures lurking beneath the water, the smell of saltwater, the roughness of the rocks, and the splashes as waves rolled in. My wildspeak words were jagged jumping, and ripply dipping. Why not join the Wildspeak excitement by celebrating “mayflies skimming the air, blackbirds calling from hedgerows, brambles tangling at the edges of hidden paths,” and then make time to take a walk today or any day.  Every read offers a new perspective on the surroundings and immerses you in the wonder of our beautiful world no matter what words you choose to use.

Other Recommended Earth Day Reads:

IF THIS WERE THE WORLD
Written by Stephen Barr
Illustrated by AG Ford
(Neal Porter Books)

YOU ARE THE LAND
by Steph Littlebird
(Nancy Paulsen Books)

OUR HOME, OUR ONLY HOME
Written by Marion Dane Bauer
Illustrated by Sophie Diao
(Candlewick Press)

WE CAN HEAR WITHOUT EARS:
And Other Things You Didn’t Know We Plants Could Do
Written by Lisa Westberg Peters
Illustrated by Danielle Ridolfi
(Astra Young Readers)