Children’s adventures through Simone’s photography
The Wild Crew Books
Real photography.
Playful characters.
A world to discover.
Created by wildlife photographer Simone Amaduzzi, The Wild Crew combines his real photographs with a cast of illustrated animal friends. Through playful adventures, children discover wildlife, explore remarkable places, and learn why nature deserves our care.
A children’s book series to enjoy together, with humor, friendship and something new to learn.
Real places, through my lens
My photographs provide the settings for the Crew’s adventures.
Friends to follow and laugh with
Fifteen illustrated animal characters bring personality, humor and friendship.
Curiosity that keeps growing
Stories encourage children to observe, ask questions and care about nature.
The idea behind The Wild Crew
My photographs. Their adventures. Your child’s discoveries.
Every adventure begins with a photograph I have taken. The landscapes are real places, photographed on my travels. The illustrated Crew steps into those photographs to turn looking into an adventure.
The characters bring humor, friendship and different personalities to the story. They give children someone to follow, laugh with and root for as they explore the world captured by my camera.
My purpose is to share the curiosity that takes me into nature with my camera, and help children develop their own. The stories invite them to notice details, ask questions about animals and places, and discover how to care for the world around them.
Real places. Real photographs. One very wild imagination.
Created and photographed by Simone Amaduzzi
Something to discover together
Read a story. Start a conversation.
For parents, the idea is simple: enjoy a playful story together, then use the real photographs to start a conversation about nature.
01
Get to know the animals
Begin with a character, then look more closely at the animal behind it. Notice shapes, colors and details, and ask questions about its life and surroundings.
What do you notice about this animal?
02
Explore real places
Use the photographs as a starting point for discovering landscapes and environments. Find a place on a map and imagine what it might feel like to be there.
Where could this adventure take us?
03
Care for the world we share
Talk about respecting wildlife and looking after the places we visit. The Crew also offers opportunities to discuss kindness, teamwork and including others.
How could we be thoughtful visitors here?
15 friends. Different personalities. Shared adventures.
Meet The Wild Crew
Some are bold. Some are quiet. Some see the big picture; others spot the smallest detail. Together, they make room for everyone.
Choose a friend below to learn a little more and find a question to explore together.
Franklin
Bald eagle
A thoughtful observer who helps the Crew see the bigger picture.
Meet Franklin
Wise, independent and observant, Franklin reminds his friends that a different viewpoint can reveal something new.
Wonder together
What changes when you look at the same scene from higher up?
Scout
Squirrel
Curious and energetic, always ready to discover what is around the next corner.
Meet Scout
Scout brings brave questions and an optimistic spirit to every adventure. There is always something new to notice.
Wonder together
What would you explore first in this photograph?
Dex
Squirrel
A clever problem solver with a playful imagination.
Meet Dex
Inventive and observant, Dex enjoys finding a way forward and helping friends think through a challenge.
Wonder together
Can you think of two different ways to solve the same problem?
Roxy
Fox
Kind, confident and always looking out for her friends.
Meet Roxy
Roxy brings intelligence and kindness to the group. She enjoys exploring together and making sure everyone feels included.
Wonder together
How could you help a new friend feel welcome?
Pickles
Raccoon
Playful, curious and full of little surprises.
Meet Pickles
Pickles adds mischief and laughter to the journey. Discovering something new is even better when it is shared with friends.
Wonder together
What surprising detail can you spot in the picture?
Ollie
Rabbit
An optimistic adventurer who finds joy in small steps.
Meet Ollie
Friendly and energetic, Ollie looks for the bright side and loves exploring alongside the Crew.
Wonder together
What small discovery could turn into a big adventure?
Bruno
Bear cub
A gentle friend with a playful spirit and a big heart.
Meet Bruno
Bruno enjoys the wilderness, good company and a peaceful moment. His kindness helps make the Crew feel like a family.
Wonder together
What kind thing could you do for someone on an adventure?
Cliff
Bighorn sheep
Confident and adventurous, with an eye on the path ahead.
Meet Cliff
Cliff loves exploring new terrain. Staying calm and paying attention help him approach a challenge.
Wonder together
Where would you stop and look carefully before taking your next step?
Otis
Owl
Calm and curious, with a different way of seeing things.
Meet Otis
Otis is a thoughtful friend who notices quiet moments and encourages the Crew to consider another perspective.
Wonder together
Can two friends notice different things in the same photograph?
Monty
Moose
Strong, curious and ready to share a big adventure.
Meet Monty
Monty enjoys open spaces, peaceful moments and exploring with friends. His playful curiosity keeps the journey moving.
Wonder together
What do you notice first in a wide, open landscape?
Bucky
American bison
A calm, strong presence with a kind heart.
Meet Bucky
Bucky values open spaces and quiet moments. He is always there for the Crew and helps his friends keep calm.
Wonder together
How can staying calm help a group find its way?
Timber
Wolf
Loyal and gentle, and braver than he sometimes feels.
Meet Timber
A little shy and easily surprised, Timber finds courage in friendship and loves feeling part of the pack.
Wonder together
When has a friend helped you feel a little braver?
Lizzy
Chameleon
Observant, adaptable and playfully unpredictable.
Meet Lizzy
Lizzy notices small details and enjoys seeing things differently. A fresh perspective can make a familiar place feel new.
Wonder together
Which colors and patterns stand out when you look closely?
Rusty
Northern cardinal
A tiny bird with plenty of energy and confidence.
Meet Rusty
Bold and talkative, Rusty brings a cheerful voice to the adventure and enjoys sharing discoveries with friends.
Wonder together
What sounds might you hear if you stepped into this photograph?
Shelby
Freshwater turtle
Patient, quietly clever and surprisingly adventurous.
Meet Shelby
Shelby enjoys peaceful moments and discovering what lies ahead. Taking time can help the Crew notice things they might otherwise miss.
Wonder together
What can you discover when you slow down?
The first adventure
In Search of the Perfect Picture
Fifteen animal friends set off in search of the perfect picture. Their journey unfolds through real photographs taken by Simone Amaduzzi, with illustrated characters adding playful moments, friendship and surprises along the way.
A hardcover storybook that brings photography and imagination together, inviting children and parents to pause, notice details and talk about what they discover.
- Format
- Hardcover
- Size
- 8.5 × 8.5 inches
- Length
- 36 pages
Currently in print. Availability and ordering details will be added here.
The journey continues
New places. New friends.
The first adventure is the beginning of a growing book series. New photographs and new encounters will take the Crew further.
Follow along for book news, new adventures and discoveries from the world of The Wild Crew.
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