This is a lovely anthology of thirty-six poems that are grouped into subjects relating to the natural world around us, offering different perspectives about both the beauty of the world and the threats to our environment.
Some use humor to make a point, like this short limerick:
Song of the Open Road
By Ogden Nash“I think that I shall never see
A billboard lovely as a tree.
Perhaps, unless the billboards fall,
I’ll never see a tree at all.”
Two poems on the elephant by Gina Douthwaite will give kids lots to think about. One is called “Captivating Creature” and the other is called “Captive Creature.”
The first poem in the book by Elizabeth Honey, which is also the title poem, probably conveys the anthologist’s sentiments the best. A mother is wishing for her new baby all the wild wonders and she ends the poem:
“For this wish to come true
We have much work to do
All the wild wonders
All the wild wonders
For you my sweet babe.”
Delicate and whimsical watercolors by illustrator Piet Grobler accompany each poem.
A list in the back gives a brief identification of each poet, chosen from the past as well as the present, and displaying a remarkably diverse set of contributors.
Evaluation: This poems in this book will undoubtedly be very pleasing to children, and will also provide subtle lessons on the importance of cherishing and protecting nature.
Rating: 3.5/5
Published in the U.S. by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 2010
Rhapsody in Books Weblog 
The illustrations are gorgeous and I love the limerick!!
I love the soft feel of watercolors (but I still prefer Kadir, just saying). If I had small children, I’d be in big trouble with all these wonderful books. I’d have to buy them all.
This looks like such a sweet book, Jill. My son would love the illustrations, and that Ogden Nash poem is such fun. I’m trying to incorporate poetry into Dylan’s curriculum, so I’m going to have to add this one to his list of reads. (He might not thank you, but I do!)
This is poetry that I can understand!!
I love the illustrations, although I’m not sure Gage would, at least not now.
Sounds like some valuable lessons. I bet teachers could use this book in the classroom with Earth Day activities.