Hannah loves playing violin, but not in front of people. Of course, she has a recital. On the day of, Hannah wishes for Something Wild to happen. And due to some wonderful imaginative situations, the laughs (and some well needed inspiration and self-confidence) happen. Molly Ruttan has created a tale of cleverness and overcoming stage fright in a fresh, vibrant, manner. Story and text mix together to create magic and humor.
Overall, the ideas that Hannah get (her outfit disappears, dolphins in the fountain whisk her away), are amusing and very much like what a child would wish for. And when you finally see the results of the recital (and no real spoilers here) it is an amazing performance. The colors and details float across the page. You read the illustrations as much as the text.
We have read the story before. We know about trying to find the courage and self-confidence to do something that is scary. Yet, the way the illustrations present both the imaginative elements and the real-world ones, allows this book to be fresh and mostly new. Our Hannah is not “girly” as she wears pants and a nice top; nor is her hair “frou-frou”, but neither is she more traditionally boyish presenting. Hannah is a normal, relatable kid having normal relatable problems for most ages.
The cover gives you an idea of the artwork, but there is even more when you slip between the pages of the story. There is bold coloring and details. The magical and real smoothly transition together allowing for you to read both text and art and allowing all ages to partake.
