Welcome to Wild Town

An exciting first collaboration between two acclaimed poets, exploring the nature of ‘wildness’.

Do you dare to come to Wild Town?

You’ll find zebras dancing in Herbivorebille, or if you feel like a change, book into the Chrysalis Hotel in Fluttertown – no room service. Watch out for the tigers of Bengal Street in the Carnivore Quarter and maybe avoid the fish tank in number 3, Danger Close - it’s stocked with piranhas and electric eels. In Wolf Park you may come across a silent, stalking wolf and at the Wild Town Rec polar bears are pushing on the slide and orcas are in the paddling pool. While at the quiet end of town dormice are sleeping and grumpy Bertha the Bear is slumbering. One thing is certain – you will never be the same after a visit to Wild Town, and when you leave, the wild will go with you….

An exciting poetry adventure, a journey of wild encounters in streets, houses and parks - this is an astonishing and brilliant poetry collection by two of the UK’s most admired poets. Illustrated with verve and wit by the internationally bestselling illustrator Korky Paul.

"This is a magical collection of children’s poetry. The poems range from hilarious to melancholy to quirky. Ideal for Year 5/6."

"Oh this is just Glorious! Three of most talented people in children’s literature working together - it’s fun, zany, moving and defiant! Bravo!"

"A new wild new poetry collection published by Otter Barry Books. Such a rich mix of poems inside from both poets. Definitely one to have in Key Stage 2 classrooms."

"Including narrative poems, short observations, poems to read aloud and catchy wordplay, the text is set to dazzling illustrations by Korky Paul. If you are a teacher looking for poems to teach in a Forest School setting or an environment topic, or to model in creative writing, this perceptive collection is perfect."

"This reviewer enjoyed a foray into such a special place where both the verbal and visual pictures leave an indelible memory. May the wild go with you too."

"Here be wildness that is funny, free, strange, savage, beautiful and moving. Stunning new children’s poetry collection."

"This exciting mix of funny, sinister and contemplative verse by two highly-acclaimed poets centres on all things wild, from animals and plants to weather and wild ideas. Illustrated throughout with quirky black-and-white artwork." 

"...Dom Conlon draws the reader into this clever, slim anthology in which he and AF Harrold imagine a Wild Town peopled by insects, zebras, lions, wolves and others – a wild town that is in reality every town. There are poems to suit every taste... The words sing, shout and whisper, the vocabulary rich and varied.  Providing the perfect visual accompaniment are Korky Paul’s spiky, energetic, humorous illustrations.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable collection from the pens of two poets who know how to speak to young readers and is well worth promoting in the classroom – and at home."

"Two British poets dare young nature lovers to hunt for their own wild hearts by exploring decidedly hazardous Wild Town, from the zebras of Herbivoreville to the prowling, growling residents of Wolf Walk. It's a dangerous but rewarding town, well worth repeat visits."

Dom Conlon is a poet and author with a keen interest in science and the natural world. His work has been praised by award-winning writers such as Nicola Davies, George Szirtes and Chris Riddell. As an active campaigner for libraries, Dom gives up his time to perform locally and work with children and adults in order to approach science and well-being through poetry. Dom has appeared on stage to interview Tony Robinson, Andrew Michael Hurley and Karen Lloyd, and has also read for Chris Riddell's poetry tours. His previous books include This Rock That Rock, nominated for the Carnegie Medal in 2021 and the Wild Wanderers series of picture books about the natural world. Welcome to Wild Town is his first poetry collection for Otter-Barry Books. Dom Conlon is a popular visitor to schools and festivals, giving performances and workshops to primary-age children across the UK. He lives in Lancashire.

AF Harrold is a poet, performer and children’s author, who worked as a bookseller before becoming a full-time poet in the early 2000s. His children’s poetry books include Things You Find in a Poet’s Beard, illustrated by Chris Riddell and the anthology Midnight Feasts, which he edited, illustrated by Katy Riddell. He is also the author of several middle-grade children’s novels, including the Fizzlebert Stump series, The Imaginary, illustrated by Emily Gravett and The Song from Somewhere Else, illustrated by Levi Pinfold. Welcome to Wild Town is his first poetry collection for Otter-Barry Books. AF Harrold visits schools and literary festivals across the UK, where his high-energy, witty performances are loved by children of all ages. He lives in Reading with a stand-up comedian and two cats.

Korky Paul is one of Britain's best-known illustrators. Born in what is now Zimbabwe, he studied drawing at Durban School of Art in South Africa. He has lived in Greece, Britain and the USA, where he studied film animation at CAL-ARTS in Los Angeles. His first children's picture book was published in 1980 and (with author Valerie Thomas) he won the Children's Book award in 1988 for Winnie the Witch, which now has over 20 sequels. He has illustrated over 30 other children's books, and his international awards include the Prix Octogone in France (twice) and Honourable Mention in the Bologna Book Fair's Critici in Erba prize. His work has been published in 26 countries. Korky's dynamic illustration sessions are highly popular in schools and libraries. He lives in Oxford, England.

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