Wild Planet: The Inspiring Life and Wisdom of Sir David Attenborough

For as long as most of us can remember Sir David Attenborough has been on our televisions bringing us groundbreaking documentaries about caring for the natural world. Over many years he has had an immense and powerful impact on our planet’s survival and this appropriate picture book pays tribute to his long and meaningful life. He has won many honours and awards, made countless films, and been successful in communicating his message across the world.

This quality title has been published to mark both UN World Earth Day and the Great Big Green Week 2024. It traces Attenborough’s life from his childhood and early realisation that he wanted to devote himself to the survival of the planet. Furthermore, the book clearly shows how, through his television documentaries filmed in natural habitats, ‘He became our connection to the natural world’ (p. 18).

At the time of Attenborough’s birth more than two thirds of our planet was covered in wild places for animals to live. To indicate this fact two thirds of both page spreads (p.8-9 and p.10-11) are in colour and a third is in black and white. This is a clever way for the illustrations to emphasise important facts.  The colours used in the drawings throughout this publication are sumptuous and quite stunning.

I found the bonus material towards the end of the book most helpful. After a brief biography of Attenborough there is a useful glossary of terms used. Finally, there are two pages which go into detail about rewilding our planet, together with problems and solutions. The reader is involved in the book’s message as there are tips about how everybody can help the current situation.

The publication of this book is well timed and will be an up-to-date resource for the primary library or a fabulous gift for any youngster.