Wonderfully Wild: Rewilding a School and Community

by Jessica Stremer, Josée Masse (illustrator)

A classroom of children embarks on a quest to grow new trees from the clippings of a fallen willow tree and to rewild their schoolyard in this lyrical picture book loosely based on a true story.

The old willow tree has stood in the schoolyard for as long as anyone can remember. It’s a gathering place, a run-laps-around place, a dream-under place. Until one blustery night when a storm blows it over.

Brokenhearted over the loss of their beloved tree, the students come up with a wonderfully wild to grow new willows! They gather branches and trim clippings, and before long, many new trees begin to take root. But their wonderfully wild ideas don’t stop there. With the help of their community, can the class transform their entire schoolyard?

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, School, Environment, Childrens, Gardening, Stem

48 pages, Hardcover

Published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Stephanie Lucianovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to show readers how much impact they can have on their environment! This book details how students brought about growth from death -- of a willow tree -- and is an uplifting and thoroughly engaging story of how caring for nature benefits an entire community.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Lyrically written by Jessica Stremer and lushly illustrated by Josee Masse, it shows how a group of children are empowered to turn a destructive natural event into a positive community project. The story feels so true in that it allows the characters to grieve the loss of their schoolyard tree, as well as some of its seedlings along the way, while remaining forward-looking and active in creating an even more beautiful and environmentally rich space in which to live and grow. Educators and parents can use this book to explore with children a wide variety of projects to make their own environments “wonderfully wild,” from planting pollinator gardens to installing rain barrels as watering source. The strong main story arc follows through as children wait patiently for their willow cuttings to sprout and mature into seedlings sturdy enough to replace their lost tree and re-green a whole neighborhood. Delicious descriptive phrases like, “a gathering place, a run-laps-around place, a dream-under place,” can inspire language lovers to create their own poetry, and illustrations of a richly diverse student body ensure that all feel included. This is a must-have celebration of children’s resilience and ingenuity for every classroom and library.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully Wild offers a heartfelt take on rewilding, but with a refreshingly local and accessible lens. Unlike other titles that focus on large-scale environmental restoration—such as The Art of Rewilding: The Return of Yellowstone’s Wolves—this picture book centers on a single fallen tree and the ripple effects of a classroom’s determination to honor its legacy.

What begins as a loss becomes a catalyst for transformation, not just of the schoolyard, but of the community that surrounds it. The students' efforts to regrow their beloved willow tree spark a collaborative movement, turning their campus into a lush, welcoming space for play, memory-making, and connection. Stremer’s storytelling highlights how environmental stewardship and community care go hand in hand, and Masse’s vibrant illustrations bring the evolving landscape to life.

This is a quiet yet powerful story about collective action, hope, and the magic that can grow from a single seedling of an idea.

[Tanya Konerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a beloved old willow tree in a schoolyard is struck by lightning, the children are brokenhearted. But not for long! Jessica Stremer’s lyrically-told story inspires hope as it tells how the class soon uses clippings from the tree to propagate new willows, nurturing them for months while also learning about and enacting ways to make the schoolyard WONDERFULLY WILD, including planting native flower seeds; installing bat, bird and bug houses; and composting, all with encouraging help from community members. When the new willows are ready to plant, the children have prepared the perfect home for them, and everyone benefits. Illustrator Josée Masse renders the scenes in soft digital colors, and back matter offers great information and suggestions for readers interested in rewilding their own spaces.

[Kimberly Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lush, lyrical, warm and wonderfully wild read this was! When the schoolyard's beloved willow tree is felled by a storm, a classroom comes together on a quest to rewild and restore - growing new trees from the clippings of their fallen friend and learning about life, healing, regrowth and community in the process.

Author Jessica Stremer's powerful use of poetic language creates a beautiful sense of rhythm in this story, paired beautifully with Josée Masse's uplifting illustrations. This tale (loosely based on a true story) is also packed with information about the rewilding process, plant lifecycles and ecosystems, with tips for planting and rewilding our own communities through comprehensive and engaging backmatter, making it ideal for home learning and classroom applications. A loving ode to nature indeed and a thoroughly enjoyable read :)

[Eileen Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lyrical tale of an old willow tree that was lost in a storm, and how a school community rallied around in the aftermath is a must read! Based loosely on real life events, author Jessica Stremer shares a heart-warming story of resilience and transformation that is sure to inspire readers of all ages. She introduces the concept of “rewilding” (returning lands back to their natural state) and how a group of schoolkids—and the rest of the community—banded together to bring about amazing results. Paired with beautiful illustrations by Josee Masse, WONDERFULLY WILD, is a beautiful and important new picture book which celebrates our natural environment, and highlights how we can help make our community a better place for all.

[A Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how detailed the illustrations are. In this story a willow tree on the school's playground is hit by lightening and the students are sad. Then they propagate a bunch of new willows from the branches and learn other ways to make their playground more wild, such as removing fences and adding bat boxes. "That's just how things go sometimes," the teacher says when some of the clippings don't make it and later the kids use this phrase when some of the planted trees don't make it either; many similar books do not acknowledge that some plants don't make it when gardening and I appreciate that this book, not only brings it up, but shows that the kids are resilient when that is the case. I do not know what this book is missing, but something keeps me from rating it higher, unfortunately.

[Stephanie Gibeault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on actual events, this uplifting story is about a class who lose their beloved willow tree to a lightning strike then use clippings from the tree to help rewild their schoolyard. As readers follow the students’ efforts, including planting seedlings, building pollinator gardens, and composting, they also learn all about ways to benefit nature in their own backyards. The text is engaging and fun to read aloud and the crisp, detailed illustrations feature a diverse cast of students. There is extensive back matter about rewilding along with ways young children can make a difference. This is a perfect addition to school libraries but would also be great at home too.

[Meneka Repka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring story, and I loved that it’s based on true events! I learned a lot about re-wilding; this book has a perfect balance of encouraging storytelling with tangible information and ideas for how young people can get involved in re-wilding their communities. There are lots of important concepts here that are taught in an accessible way: finding hope in loss, creating something new from pieces of something old, accepting that things don’t always work out, and building community through reciprocity and collaboration. Illustrations were absolutely wonderful- so detailed, with many diverse characters to relate to.

[Jessica Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a child in your life learning about the beauty of nature and how to be a good steward...this book belongs on your shelf. Stremer’s lyrical text is enchanting, with phrases such as,“whisper-wishes-into-the-wind,” and "wraparound-and-wriggle-down-deep," but the entire book is a touching love letter to nature. The lovely illustrations depict a group of school kids turning the tragic loss of a beloved tree into an opportunity for “rewilding” their campus and community. The author includes well-researched, non-fiction back matter with definitions and excellent suggestions for anyone who wants to help nature thrive!

[Ann Staats · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins with a glorious, enormous willow tree adorning the schoolyard. It’s named a gathering place, a run-laps-around place, and a dream under place. But then, after a lightning strike, the tree is no more. Instead of mourning for long, the students take clippings and grow new willows indoors. As they nurture the plants over the winter, they also plan for ways to re-wild the school yard. In this beautiful book about the power of plants and teamwork, readers are inspired to re-wild their own spaces. With gorgeous illustrations and a wonderful message, this is a feel-good book that taps into how we all can contribute to beautiful spaces in nature. Recommend!

[Louise M. Aamodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a storm takes down the school's beloved willow tree, a class propagates new trees from cuttings, and also transforms their playground into a naturally magical place. This book is appealing on so many levels! Lyrical word choices and inviting illustrations pair beautifully to capture the joy of hard work, new growth, and sharing. I love the teacher's honest reaction to the clippings that didn't make it, and how the kids eventually internalize that resilience. Check out the awesome back matter, which has inspired me to try a No Mow May and to see if I can propagate oak trees from cuttings. This book would make a great addition to a home or classroom library, or as a gift for any age.

[Carrie Kruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love this book! We get to follow a class as they turn the death of a beloved willow tree into a schoolyear-long lesson in propagation, pollinators, and patience! Using native grasses and flowers, compost bins, pollinator hotels, and even Hügelkultur raised beds, they turn the schoolyard into a beautiful rewilded space. They also use cuttings of the tree to grow new saplings which are eventually shared with their neighbors, learning how to care not only for plants but also for each other and their community. This book will inspire gardeners of all ages to make the world more wonderfully wild!

[Crazyaboutkidsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and important book! Stremer’s fun and inviting language draws in the reader and a delightful feeling of hope permeates the pages. I found myself rooting (ha!) for the kids’ and the trees’ success while also commiserating that things don’t always go as planned—“That’s just how things go sometimes”—a great lesson for all ages!

It’s not simply a touching story though, it also includes action items readers can implement on their own or in a school setting (choose one or many!) that can make a difference in the world. A great goal for everyone!

[Andrew Hacket · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFULLY WILD is wonderfully beautiful and educational. Kids will be inspired to grow beauty in their communities and quickly feel the power they have to give back to nature, a topic that Jessica Stremer is an absolute expert at weaving into her books. 

From propagation to pollinators this book is packed with educational substance that will grow young learners' sense of wonder. Paired with superb backmatter, kids will quickly feel a sense of agency and be ready to get their hands dirty to make the world a more beautiful, sustainable place. 

[Ann Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me chills! Stremer starts the story with action. A beloved tree gets struck by lightning and falls. But the kids aren’t sad for long. They have a plan. A wonderfully wild plan. This “loosely based on a real-life event” story is told with dreamy language and is filled with hope and inspiration. Masse’s illustrations flow in gentle ways and provide beautiful details for curious readers. The back matter is overflowing with information about rewilding, plants, and more. A great addition to classroom plant units as well as science centers for elementary schools.

[Kelsey Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFULLY WILD is an uplifting story of how students rewilded their schoolyard, creating a beautiful space and also gifting trees to their community. The engaging narrative draws readers in while gently teaching them about how to rewild a space. The colorful illustrations capture the excitement of growing plants and taking steps to help the earth. Back matter offers in-depth information on how kids can help the environment. I highly recommend this well-crafted, inspiring story that has such an important environmental theme!

[Megan Clendenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A positive and inspiring story of a class of children taking steps to rewild their schoolyard after the loss of a beloved willow tree. Based loosely on true events, readers learn what ‘rewilding’ is and get to follow step-by-step along with the children in the book as they learn how to use willow clippings, plant seedlings, compost, and plant a pollinator garden. A great celebration of resilience, working together, and helping nature. Extensive back matter gives more details about rewilding and how young children can take action to make a difference.

[LJ Todaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully Wild has it all. The lyrical language lulls: “The clippings sprouted more green leaves, soft leaves, stretch-and-soak-up-the-sun leaves.” The spirit of the story uplifts: a group of children rewild their school’s yard bringing joy to their community. The educational element grounds the story in practical action: tree propagation, pollinator gardens, composting, and rainwater collection. A diverse group of students populate Masse’s delightful illustrations. Read it, and consider rewilding in your own community.

[Natasha Khan Kazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully Wild is such a heartwarming story about resilience, community, and the magic of nature. Written by Jessica Stremer and illustrated by Josée Masse, it follows a group of students who turn the loss of a beloved schoolyard tree into a movement to rewild their space. The story is gentle and hopeful, and the illustrations are vibrant and full of life. It’s the kind of book that sparks curiosity and encourages kids to care for the world around them. Highly recommend for school and home libraries.

[Stephanie Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching story about resilience and the power of nature. When a beloved willow tree falls, the students come together to propagate new trees, turning their sadness into action. The narrative beautifully illustrates their journey of growth and learning, as they create a vibrant schoolyard filled with life. The rhythmic text and engaging illustrations make it a delightful read for young audiences. This book not only inspires environmental stewardship but also emphasizes the importance of community and hope. A wonderful choice for children!

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this sweet picture book students work together to grow new trees after their beloved old willow is destroyed during a storm. They also create a rewilding space in their schoolyard and gift many of the baby willows they grew to their neighbors. WONDERFULLY WILD by Jessica Stremer and Josée Masse is a lyrical gem about community and caring for nature. This story will inspire young readers to create their own wonderfully wild spaces! Back matter includes additional information about rewilding, growing new plants, and No Mow May. A must-have for all school libraries!

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a tree is downed, the kids find solutions on how to regrow new willow trees from clippings. We see their success--and some failures--and also how this brings people together and extends beyond their initial goal.

This heartwarming book about how simple it is to do something will be a hit in classrooms and at home. It shows how we all can take action and make a difference.

The art shows us action beyond the text and the back matter includes important information about rewilding our home and community.

[Amanda Calatzis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for your kiddo's next obsession! This book is a lovely narrative about what happened when a beloved willow tree fell in a schoolyard, but it's chock full of actual ideas for "re-wilding," which is what all the students did together in response. My heart skipped a beat when I opened one of the final spreads, where the result of the re-wilding culminates. As if the ideas in the story weren't enough, there are 5 pages of backmatter with further reading and instructions. The art is soft and inviting.

[Julie Winterbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful and informative book tells the story of how a classroom of kids who were heartbroken when their beloved willow tree died ended up re-wilding their whole schoolyard. In the process, readers learn how trees can be propagated, how pollinator gardens can replace lawn, and most of all, how they can take care of communities of plants, animals, and people. Simply but lyrically told, this book is perfect for classroom readalouds, libraries, and parents who want to inspire their kids to care for the environment.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the beloved old willow in the schoolyard is destroyed by a storm, the schoolchildren learn how to propagate new shoots from the tree’s broken branches. They also transform the playground to a place where many other species of plant and animal are welcome to grow and play. In the process, they also learn valuable lessons about science, teamwork, and the resilience of nature. Digital illustrations lack some original luster. End pages feature more information about rewilding green spaces at home, school, and around the community, plus helpful information about plants and propagation.

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

When an old willow tree in the schoolyard falls to the ground, a student comes up with a wild idea. The children gather and trim the fallen branches, and the clippings are placed in jars of water where they being to root and sprout. In place of the old tree, they grow native grasses and flowers and create a natural habitat for creatures. After replanting the new willows in the Spring, they give the extra saplings to the neighbourhood. With information on rewilding your community, this beautifully illustrated book will encourage readers to create green spaces of their own.

[Nathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Wonderfully Wildly great! It's a fun and inspiring read that will show kids how they can make a big difference in their schoolyards, backyards, and communities. Kids (and adults in my case) will learn about willow trees, growing new trees from cuttings, re-wilding spaces, and the power of bringing nature back into everyday life. Perfect for young nature lovers, little gardeners, and kids who love hands on projects.

[HELEN ZAX · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFULLY WILD tells the uplifting story of how students—bereft from the loss of a beloved willow tree in their schoolyard—turn sadness into action. These students grow willow clippings, plant pollinators, let grass grow wild, and work through the seasons to rebuild their schoolyard naturally. Well-researched, comprehensive back matter offers extensive suggestions for ways to help rejuvenate the environment by leaving it wonderfully wild.

[Kirsten Pendreigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely kid-friendly story of renewal and creativity based on true events. When a beloved tree falls at a school, the children come up with a way to keep it alive, by carefully nurturing and rooting the branches to make new saplings and coming up with a plan to rewild the space where the tree once grew. Along the way, readers will be inspired to think of ways to make a sustainable garden at their own school.