Run Wild with this book!

Another book for the “there is really nothing wrong with this book but it just did not speak to me” list is Run Wild by David Covell. It is a book that is for families that like the outdoors or for young children that should have a slightly shorter book to listen to. It is poetic and has unique illustrations that are not active, but are not “sit still and be quiet illustrations.” The text also lends itself to being a “first read alone” or with help for the older reader.

One reviewer says the book is lushly illustrated. While I would not say “lushly” they are unique and have a special quality to them. I like the cover illustrion the most. It is something I would hang in a child’s bedroom. Also, I would love to see it as a large lap-sized picture book as I feel the text fits that format better.

I think that the authors story is more interesting than his book and the book is a good one to have in most collections. He grew up in Maine, moved to Vermont, worked for Burton Snowboards (I used to live next to Jake Carpenter, creator of Burton Snowboards) so that is a neat little “six degrees of separation there”) and now is in New York working as a graphic designer. This background lends itself naturally for Covell to create a book about being outdoors.

I am not familiar with is Rat and Roach picture books. But from covers only they do seem to have a different vibe. Therefore, if you do not care for one, you can try the other.