Wildful HC (2024 Groundwood Books) comic books

1st printing. Story and art by Kengo Kurimoto. Poppy's mother hasn't been the same since Gran passed away. She stays inside and watches TV, unable to leave the couch. So maybe that's why Poppy has started spending more time outside, taking her dog Pepper for walks around the neighborhood. When Pepper leads Poppy through a hole in the fence, she finds a forgotten forest that's been there all along, as well as a new friend named Rob. Rob teaches Poppy that you can find magic in the wilderness... if you know where to look! Poppy looks, and then she looks closer... and sees flowers opening before her eyes, watches animals slip into their hidden homes, and listens to the sound of water droplets falling gently on puddles, leaves and feathers. She can barely wait to tell Mum about everything she's seen, and asks her to come see, too-but her mother rarely has the energy to leave the couch. Will Poppy ever be able help her mother see the beauty in the woods-and in life? Hardcover, 9-in. x 6-in., 216 pages, B&W. Cover price $22.99.