Brightest Wild

Brightest Wild

by Tania Crampton-Larking

Published by Lothian Children's Books (Hachette Australia)
ISBN 9780734420657

A heartfelt story of adapting to change and embracing acceptance.

Beginning as London born, eleven year old Alex is on a plane travelling with her mum to a new life in Australia. This isn't what Alex wants to do, she sorely wishes she could have remained in her family home. She also suddenly realises she has mislaid her precious tablet with all her photos and drawings.

Her late father, who was from the Punjab died suddenly after another of his asthma attacks, this time with an empty puffer to hand. Alex misses her dad dearly and carries with her a special token that reminds her of the way he taught her to be kind and a good person.

Sometime later, her mum met and fell in love with Art, a man from Adelaide while he was living in West London.

The author's writing is warm and the reader is drawn into the story of how Art had to return to Adelaide and to his son Koen and his over the internet continuing relationship with Alex's mum.

On arrival I Adelaide on a hot November day,Alex and her mum have a rather harsh introduction after leaving freezing cold weather in London. Art and his son meet jet-lagged Alex and her mum at the airport in a somewhat unreliable vehicle and it's equally unreliable air conditioning. Art has a rather unusual albeit practical and surprising way they can keep cool on their way home, or rather Alex and her mum's new home with Art. There are some amusing moments, one that springs to mind is how Alex read that it is quicker to fly to Antarctica than back to London. While travelling in that hot car that is where she would like to be right now.

Koen who is in his early teens has been preparing to meet his new step-sister and considering how boys can be at this age it seems he is doing a pretty good job of welcoming her, showing her around the neighbourhood and introducing him to his friends, even if it is at the insistence of his dad.

From her first day Alex's view of the world is broadened as she is introduced to indigenous cultural aspects regarding nature and the environment. She learns that Koen talks to his mum's ancestral spirits and he explains the importance of some trees nearby.

Although Alex would prefer to be back home in London and to see her best friend Preeta, she finds the natural world around her gives strength and resilience. She discovers a significant tree, the mysteries of the bush and the importance of fighting for what is right and protecting the environment from climate change.

While there is some usage of words such as 'gotten' rather than using correct English, it is a well written story demonstrating resilience and managing change when it is unwanted.

The Author

Mirning woman, Tania Crampton-Larking writes to inspire others to connect with Nature's vibrant, timeless beauty. She seeks to promote caring values that are opposed to destructive ignorance and racism. She is passionate about fighting for the preservation and restoration of Earth's healthy natural systems, and for a future that is safe, magical and sacred for all.

This is an independent review, I am not paid by the book publishers,

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