#BookReview of #BeWildLittleOne by Olivia Hope and illustrator Daniel Egnéus | @KidsBloomsbury | @Hopewrites | @DanielEgneus

‘Wake up early, don’t be shy.
This bright world can make you fly…
Be Wild Little One

[ About the Book ]

This gorgeous, uplifting picture book celebrates the wildness in all of us, and the beauty of the world all around us. Prepare for a heart-lifting journey through the beauties of nature: from pine forests to awe-inspiring mountains, and from sparkling seas to starry skies, each page is full of wonders. Fly across oceans, run with wolves through the mountain snow, dance with fireflies, and prepare to BE WILD!

With a lyrical text from talented debut author Olivia Hope, and stunning, immersive illustrations by Daniel Egnéus, this stand-out book brims with joy and possibility and makes the perfect gift for any little one.

[ My Review ]

Be Wild Little One from the wonderful debut author Olivia Hope and award-winning illustrator Daniel Egnéus was just published May 12th with Bloomsbury Children’s Books. Described as ‘an inspirational celebration of life and how rich it can be if we keep our hearts and minds open to the beauty of the world around us‘, Be Wild Little One is an absolutely delightful and inspiring picture book for all ages.

As a mother of two teenage girls I am a strong believer in sitting with young children from a very early stage and reading with them. Our house was filled with picture books that were read and reread, stained by sticky fingers and crumpled with curled up pages. These books were much loved as the characters were brought alive through the wonderful words of the author and the magical brushes of the illustrators.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Olivia Hope on a number of occasions and there really is something extraordinary about being in her company. Olivia has a captivating personality with a gentleness that just emanates from her every pore. This trait transcends across her writing and into the gorgeous illustrations brought to us by the extraordinary artwork of Daniel Egnéus.

Be Wild Little One encourages young children to believe that anything is possible, to go explore and see the goodness all around them. Children will be inspired to be adventurous and to most importantly, be themselves. From dancing with fireflies to diving into the deepest blue, Be Wild Little One is a spellbinding book that will bring joy and enchantment into the lives of all children (and I am sure it will also offer a thought-provoking moment to many of us adults who once had a dream!)

[ Biographies ]

Olivia Hope is an Irish writer with a special love for children’s fiction. A former record-breaking athlete, she competed internationally representing Ireland. With twenty years’ experience teaching children, she has worked with all ages in the creative arts; as a creative associate with the Irish Arts Council on the Creative Schools programme, and as a creative learning assistant with Siamsa Tíre (the National Folk theatre of Ireland).

The first of her picture books to be published by Bloomsbury is Be Wild, Little One (illustrated by Daniel Egnéus) Described as an ‘outstanding book to enchant readers of all ages’ by Shirley Hughes. She currently lives in the wilds of Southwest Ireland with her family.

Daniel Egnéus is a prolific artist who has illustrated numerous books, including several Neil Gaiman titles. He was voted Best Illustrator by the Association of Illustrators in 2005, and his picture book, Lubna and Pebble, (written by Wendy Meddour) was chosen by TIME Magazine as one of the 10 best picture books 2019. He is based in Athens.