Wildful

Staring at their phone with their headphones on, assumed teen Poppy takes their dog Pepper on a daily walk through their suburban neighborhood. When Pepper spies a fox peeking through a hole in a ramshackle fence, the pooch gives exuberant chase, causing Poppy to lose control of the leash before crashing into a hidden woodland overtaken by nature and boasting minimal signs of human activity. Pepper is quickly recovered with the help of Rob, who appears to be Poppy’s age. Enlivened by the unexpected adventure, Poppy returns home, where they attempt to explain their excitement to their lethargic mother, who is mourning the loss of Poppy’s maternal grandmother. Poppy and Pepper routinely meet up with Rob in the woodland, where the trio investigate deer tracks, listen to bird calls, and take in the unfurling of tree buds. Poppy’s careful, meditative observation of their nature findings spills into their home life as they strive to share the magic with their mother in hopes of cheering her up. Kurimoto employs ballpoint and ink to finely render delicate, richly detailed grayscale art in this sparsely worded debut, which elegantly conveys Poppy’s wide-eyed delight at each new discovery and the healing powers of connection and time spent out of doors. Ages 9–12. (Feb.)