The Wild Before by Piers Torday - Ages 9-12 - Hardback

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781786541116
Publisher: Quercus Children's Books (Hachette Children's Group)
Age Range: 9-12 years

Overview:
On a stormy, snow-lit night, a pure silver calf is born on an ordinary muddy farm - the legendary Mooncalf, whose coming has been foretold since the dawn of time. If the calf dies, the animals believe a great "terribleness" will follow: rising seas, plague, and fire from the sky. Little Hare vows to protect Mooncalf whatever the cost, but soon realises he alone may hold the fate of the world in his paws. A beautifully written, urgent fable about climate, courage and hope.

About the Book:
The Wild Before is a stunning standalone prequel to Piers Torday's award-winning, bestselling The Last Wild trilogy, set generations before Kester Jaynes and his animal allies take their stand. Long before pigeons ever spoke to a boy, an ordinary farm becomes the stage for an extraordinary birth: a silver calf born under a snowy moon, wrapped in ancient prophecy. As word spreads from creature to creature, the animals must decide whether to risk everything for a newborn they barely understand. Little Hare, small and often overlooked, becomes the unlikely hero who must rally badgers, foxes, and every wary beast of the wild to Mooncalf's side. Torday's prose is lyrical and cinematic, balancing tender, intimate scenes with real peril. Threaded through the adventure are timely themes of climate change, environmental stewardship, friendship and resilience. The pacing rewards curious readers, and the emotional stakes are handled with sensitivity, making space for hope even amid warnings of catastrophe. Ideal for independent readers aged 9-12, and equally rewarding read aloud in families or classrooms, this is a story that lingers - a moonlit fable about small creatures doing brave things, and about what we owe to the wild world around us.

• Standalone prequel to the bestselling The Last Wild trilogy - no prior reading required
• Lyrical, atmospheric storytelling packed with memorable animal characters
• Explores timely themes of climate change, courage and community
• Beautiful hardback edition, a lovely gift for animal-loving readers aged 9-12
• Perfect for independent reading or shared family read-alouds
• From an award-winning, widely translated children's author

About the Author:
Piers Torday is an award-winning, bestselling British children's author. His debut, The Last Wild, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Award and nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal. His other books include There May Be a Castle, The Lost Magician, The Frozen Sea and Midnight Treasure. The son of novelist Paul Torday, he also completed his father's unfinished final novel. Piers lives and writes in the UK, drawing on the British countryside to fuel his stories of animals, adventure and hope.

Why You'll Love This Book:
A moving, moonlit adventure that stands beautifully on its own, The Wild Before pairs an unforgettable animal cast with a gentle but urgent message about protecting the natural world - a handsome hardback that makes a memorable gift.

Please Note: Cover shown is the UK edition; ISBN 9781786541116 refers to this specific UK hardback edition.