My dog Nell says that it is important you listen to the creatures and read this book.
Can one young hare save the world?
Rich with beautifully described nature, witty wordplay and gut-clenching drama, Piers Torday’s The Wild Before is a powerfully compelling read that has flavours of Richard Adam’s Watership Down.
When unseasonal snow falls in spring, Little-Hare discovers and names a newborn calf. The Bull - his Wildness - tells him that according to an ancient prophecy, he must save the calf and stop the Terribleness, or the end of the world will come. So, Little-Hare sets out on a quest to find the flower of hope, desperate to cure Mooncalf and prevent the end of the world.
I have loved every Piers Torday book that I’ve read. He’s one of the most interesting and imaginative writers creating books for young readers today. I’ve read all of The Last Wild series, so it’s unsurprising that I enjoyed The Wild Before. But this book is different from those that follow. Firstly, the narrative point of view belongs to the wild animals, and the natural world is delightfully and vividly brought to life through their eyes. I particularly loved the singing harvest mouse. Piers has created their language with clever naming conventions that create moments of joy and humour in what is an urgent and dramatic story that had me holding my breath at times.
It strikes me, that this powerful story stages the dichotomy of the times we are living in, where courageous children are striking for the climate and demanding change, but grown-ups in power refuse to listen and fail to act. There are layers of meaning in this slim volume that will make readers think and inspire conversations about climate change.
In short, you must read this important little book. For extra impact, read it in the shade of a beautiful oak tree on a summer day.
