"Wild Next Door," a new children's nonfiction book published by Puffin Books (Penguin India), offers an engaging exploration of the diverse creatures inhabiting urban and suburban environments. Aimed at readers aged nine and older, the fully illustrated volume serves as a follow-up to the earlier title "Wild in the Backyard."

The book introduces young readers to an array of animals that commonly share their living spaces, from city corners to gardens and backyards. It invites children to observe and appreciate the often-overlooked wildlife living in close proximity, including hornets that frequent porches, termites consuming wood within walls, and skinks basking in the sun.

Among the creatures highlighted are beetles known for rolling dung, fireflies that light up the night, and colorful guppies. Notably, the book also describes a fish species capable of walking, underscoring the fascinating adaptations found in nature. Readers can learn about the varied habits and characteristics of these animals, such as earthworms possessing multiple hearts, birds that construct unusually messy nests, and flatworms with the ability to regenerate after being cut.

With a tone blending humor and wonder, "Wild Next Door" encourages children to don their "explorer hat and magnifying glass" to discover the tiny and unusual neighbors residing near them. The book illustrates how some of these creatures are diligent workers, others are adept at resting, and some even have the ability to detect human breath before feeding.

Set to be featured at the upcoming Colombo Book Fair and Goodreads, "Wild Next Door" aims to foster curiosity and appreciation for the natural world within everyday surroundings, offering young readers a window into the secret lives of the animals that live right beside them.