The Rewilders by Lindsay Littleson

Published by Cranachan

THE latest story from Cranachan, a publisher with a collection for children and young adults that never disappoints with their combination of Scottish culture, setting and language with unforgettable stories.

This short but stimulating tale based on the rediscovery of nature is aimed at eight- to 12-year-olds but can engage older readers. I was not only able to read it in one sitting but enjoyed every moment, having been pulled into a heartwarming story connecting humanity and the animals of the wild.

As the best kind of children’s books do, The Rewilders has an educational element that does not interfere with the story and characters but is instead carefully interwoven, making the subject matter fun. The conservational concept of restoring areas of wilderness for many reasons, especially the slowing down of climate change, is introduced through this book in a way that is easy to digest, understand and will encourage children to want to learn more about it.

Esme is certain she doesn’t want to go visit her gran, who lives in the middle of nowhere in the Highlands without WiFi just as her social life at school is falling apart. Her best friend Isobel has made clear that if she doesn’t come to her party, Esme will become the newest target of the bullying usually directed at others.

Callum, Isobel’s main target should be in a better place, recently settled with a kind and loving woman after numerous failed foster home placements but is deeply misunderstood at school. He is constantly accused of being bad and ill-tempered and the last thing he wants to do is spend a weekend with Esme, the best friend and complicit partner of his tormentor. Unfortunately for them both, Esme’s grandmother and her close friend Sadie who cares for Callum have made a mistake they need help fixing, and just as importantly, keeping secret. While having afternoon tea at an estate with wild animals in a section of its grounds, the two have found a young Lynx and, mistaking it for a kitten, taken her home.

When Sadie gets into an argument with the owner of the estate the two are banned making their return impossible – especially with seemingly stolen Lynx, Cora, at their side.

They entrust Cora’s safe return to Callum and Esme who will make the journey together over the weekend, camping where they need to stop not dependent on the help of humans.

Over their adventure they meet multiple obstacles such as disgruntled farmers, howling in the night and their own personal conflict from school. This is a story equally about the process of rewilding and their journey to get Cora to safety as it is about their journey to better understand and trust each other.

One of the overarching themes that makes this book one I’d be certain to recommend is that first impressions are not always right and that people – and kittens – aren’t always what you think.