Wildspeak
Text by Sangma Francis
Illustrations by Lexi Vangsnes

In the wide, wide world with its wide, wide skies, there are wild, wild words waiting to be spoken.

Where the stream twists and sparkles? That’s “sunglitter.” Where the sunset touches the sky? That’s “cloudbloom.”
Come take a walk full of the delight of real nature words—mayflies, sea snails, blackbirds, rockweed—and full of the joy of new words just waiting to be discovered. Perfect as an inspiration before, during, or after a walk, Wildspeak invites readers into the wide possibilities of the natural world, and the wild landscapes of their own imaginations.

For further insights, read the interview with Lexi and Sangma on Wildspeak, children, and nature in Publishers Weekly.

“Lovers of nature and language will be inspired by this inventive foray into word creation that allows children to play with language in new ways.”
School Library Journal, STARRED review

“An exquisite and wondrous celebration of nature’s vocabulary. […] The narrative pulses with quiet wonder, […] The art has an organic energy; words dance across pages in varied fonts and orientations, visual onomatopoeia for wildspeak itself.”
Kirkus, STARRED review

“The spirited story will have readers roaring along with the sisters and longing to explore the outdoors, and the wonderful wildspeak is an inspired element. The animated illustrations are a wonder of their own, teeming with life and lush detail. A rousing romp through the natural world, sure to spark creativity and curiosity.”
Booklist

“A loving testament to the imaginations of children when they are allowed to be their free, wild selves.”
The King’s English Bookshop

“This lushly illustrated book is its own sundrenched journey into the great outdoors, perfect for a spring afternoon or a winter afternoon looking forward to (literally) brighter days. A perfect read to inspire an outing immediately after putting the book down.”
Crow & Co. Books

“A joyful invitation to see—and name—our natural world. Blending prose with playful invention, the book introduces young readers to a landscape where familiar sights shimmer with possibility.”
The Berkeley Independent

“Whether scenes are by the water, in a meadow, or in a forest, this picture book showcases the best nature has to offer and celebrates it in every gorgeous spread..”
Goodreads with Ronna

“Vibrant text is paired with jubilant textured illustrations, making Wildspeak a delight to read..”
Cracking the Cover