Something Wild

A young violinist triumphs over stage fright in a vividly illustrated picture book that visualizes imaginative flights. Dreading performing for an audience at her violin recital, pale-skinned Hannah wishes something "wild" would happen "so she wouldn't have to go." Her imagination supplies outrageous scenarios--birds whisk away her performance togs, a rabbit steals her violin, a dolphin carries her off--but Hannah nevertheless soon finds herself onstage, where "her stomach clenched,/ her legs wobbled,/ and her heart pounded." But when she starts to play for the diverse audience, she has the most "wonderfully" wild experience of all as natural images grow up around her, rooting her right where she is. Balls of golden light and speckles of white stardust add ethereal vibes to Ruttan's movement-filled mixed-media illustrations, while visceral text that employs a participatory refrain focuses the story on the emotional roller coaster of live performance. Ages 3-7. (Feb.)

"Realistic portrayals of Hannah and her family are cleverly interwoven with beautiful, fantastical artwork each time Hannah hopes for 'something wild' to occur. . . . These lively juxtapositions continue as the family walks together—Hannah holding her violin—to the school hosting the event. A few simple words describe Hannah's feelings of anxiety, both at home and backstage. The denouement is a lovely testament to the best magic of which we are capable. . . . The familial closeness continues throughout the book, which combines sweetness, imagination, and gentle humor. Though this tale will appeal to all readers, it will especially resonate with introverts. Brava!" — Kirkus Reviews