A Natural History of Fairies by Emily Hawkins - Illustrated by Jessica Roux

Collected here are the journals, letters and notes of biology professor Elsie Arbour in the early 1920’s. By applying her knowledge of the natural sciences and research findings, Professor Arbour has created a world where fairies coexists with other animals and insects. Documented are details of her travels and adventures whilst on her quest to discover more species of fairies. The most interesting and most informative details from those archives are presented in this mini encyclopedia on fairies. This sixty-four-page, large format hardcover has everything you need to know about fairies, from the anatomy of a fairy, to the language of fairies, to the nine different types of fairies.

According to Professor Arbour, fairies are not magical beings, but are classified as mammals. Laid in scrapbook style, it also contains snippets of information on related animals from around the world. It's not a storybook but a scientific explanation for the fairy species and its relation to other animals. From the many books available on this subject, very few have gone into as much detail about fairy habitats. Even fewer have as many beautiful and original illustrations. This book is brimming with tiny sprites flittering from page to page. The illustrations are delicate and enchanting; providing an interpretation that makes it very easy for readers to immerse themselves in the world of fairies. Recommended for ages 5+. 

Related posts: Shirley Barber's Fairy Tales Treasury,  An Anthology of Intriguing Animals

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Frances Lincoln Children's Books 2020

Hardcover 64p

10.75" x 12.25"

Shirley Barber's Fairy Tales Treasury

Shirley Barber's fairies and magical beasts make a reappearance in her new book Fairy Tales Treasury. This is a compilation of Fairyland Treasury and Wonderland Treasury. Her gentle stories with themes young children can relate to and of course her magical art have received an updated look. The cover uses lenticular printing for a 3D effect in lieu of a dust jacket.

Collected are thirteen very short stories and five poems. These have been previously published in her older books. Barber's books are popular and sell out very quickly. They were out of print for many years and now are seeing new life through a different publisher. Children and fairy lovers have been delighted by her work for decades and can now enjoy it in a new layout with borders eliminated. The last image shows the difference between the old and new layout. The older book in the back is from Shirley Barber's Fairy Collection, which includes an audio CD. The main characters are the fairies but other fantastic creatures like mermaids, unicorns and dragons also appear. Barber's artwork is also published as jigsaw puzzles and calendars. Recommended for ages 3+.

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Brolly Books 2020
Hardcover 96p
8.8" x 11.8"

The Best of The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Kenneth Grahame was born on March 8, 1859 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Along with his siblings, Grahame was raised by their maternal grandmother in Berkshire, United Kingdom. The scenic countryside, the River Thames, and the sprawling woodlands might have inspired him to write Willows Whistle, better known as The Wind in the Willows. What began as a series of bedtime stories he wrote for his young son, is now a classic children's novel. First published by Methuen Publishing Ltd. in 1908, it continues to be retold and reimagined.

The first edition was not illustrated but many subsequent versions are. Readers have enjoyed this story for well over a century with artists creating their own vision of Toad, Ratty, Badger, and Mole. Because we can never have enough of a good thing, every few years a new copy of The Wind in the Willows comes out with new illustrations. Some of the art is fantastic and some are just okay. Will the new illustrations be enough to urge you to yet again purchase a copy of a book you have already read multiple times? Let's look at four illustrated versions of this classic that should not be passed over at the store and is worthy of a spot on your shelf. Some of these are out of print but can be found easily online or possibly at a second hand bookstore.

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Published by Ariel Books, Henry Holt and Company Inc. in 1980 with illustrations by Michael Hague. An unabridged copy with dust jacket. The end pages show a map of Toad Hall and the surrounding countryside. There are 25 full page illustrations, some double spread and 40 vignettes, all in full colour. The watercolours have deep rich tones. The cover image shows the four friends on a picnic with a yellow orange background. This colour scheme is carried through to the back cover however, the design doesn't quite work out well on the back. There is an obvious orange box that looks out of place. A small flaw to an overall lovely book. The text is also a good reading size when it's bedtime reading and you need to put a child to sleep but not yourself.

An Anthology of Intriguing Animals by Ben Hoare - Illustrated by Daniel Long, Angela Rizza, Daniela Terrazzini

This mini encyclopedia of animals is a nonfiction book but it was too gorgeous to pass on. More than a hundred animals are featured, ranging from all six groups: mammals, fish, reptiles, birds, amphibians and invertebrates. Each animal is displayed in a spread with a paragraph or two of descriptions accompanied by a close-up photograph and smaller illustration. Did you know that king cobras don't hiss but growl like dogs do? Or that a newborn koala is the size of a jelly bean? This is some of the information presented and while short, the text is fun to read and focuses on the most interesting facts. Ben Hoare keeps readers engaged with his light and humorous writing, holding interest in this thick book until the last page.

The animal illustrations by Daniel Long are vector based graphics. It's clean crisp look juxtapose nicely with the accompanying photographs and visually aids in the guide where all the animals are displayed together. Angela Rizza's delicate illustrations of foliage and patterns decorate the end pages and background with quiet charm, adding elegance and softening the overall look. Daniela Terrazzini illustrates the covers with ornate images consisting of animal shapes and foliage. The image is stamped in gold on a teal background; the result is striking. This technique is carried along to the spine and often neglected back cover which includes a different illustration. To match the cover, the edges are gilded in gold. There are two different covers available for this book. The image on the left is US and Canada versions. The image on the right is for the UK version-I prefer this one.

Extras in the back include an illustration showing how the animals are related to one another, a glossary and a handy visual guide. Use the guide to search for a favourite animal or simply open the book to any page to be pleasantly surprised. A ribbon marker is included. This is essentially a reference book for children but can also be a coffee table book. Recommended for ages 7+.

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DK Children 2018
Hardcover 224p
8.8" x 11.2"

The Wild Beast by Eric Walters - Illustrated by Sue Todd

A creation story originating from African folklore, The Wild Beast is a mythical guide through the universe revealing the birth of the sun, stars, earth and the animals that inhabit it. The world unfolds in uncomplicated fashion and fills in the emptiness that once was with an environmental message to take only what is needed and waste nothing.

The Creator uses feathers to build beasts for the skies, scales for beasts in the seas and fur for beasts on the ground. The world fills up with all kinds of beasts until it is full..and by collecting the leftover pieces of various animal parts, the last beasts are created. With a focus on the planet and animals, humans are absent in this story.

Vibrant and bold illustrations are throughout. The dark outlines will help younger readers to differentiate between the different animals when searching for their favourite ones. The illustrations are created with linoleum print and digital colour. Recommended for ages 4+.

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Orca Book Publishers 2018
Hardcover 32p
8.8" x 10.8"

Red by Jed Alexander

A new spin on the classic fairy tale of Red Riding Hood, Jed Alexander's wordless picture book brings us back into the woods where viewers follow Red as she makes her way to Granny's house. She meets the wolf along the path who slyly distracts and blocks her view of the other forest animals scurrying away. The wolf patronizing Red's precocious and sassy behaviour makes for a humorous encounter. The surprise ending is satisfying and sweet.

The illustrations are two tone, using only red and black colours. The page edges are also inked in red. The wolf is gigantic with a mouth large enough to swallow both Red and Granny whole. Luckily for them it's a benevolent wolf. It is best to already know the traditional tale this book is based upon to fully appreciate the humour in Red. This is Jed Alexander's debut picture book. Recommended for all ages.

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Cameron Kids 2018
Hardcover 24p
10.25" x 7.25"

You're Safe With Me by Chitra Soundar - Illustrated by Poonam Mistry

Like a sweet lullaby, You're Safe With Me is a soothing and relaxing read. Mama Elephant comforts her baby animals from the wind, thunder, lightning and water sounds through the nighttime storm. The babies are restless with curiosity and fright but Mama explains all the wonders of nature and rocks them gently to sleep. This picture book written by Chitra Soundar is best read aloud (preferably in a soft voice) to your little ones at bedtime or at daycare before naptime. The text provides simple explanations for the sights and sounds of the storm in rhythmic verses with repetitive reassurance of security.

The stunning illustrations by Poonam Mistry fill each page with perfectly placed shapes. The rainforest and animals are illustrated in intricate detail with rich and deep tones. The clean and symmetrical shapes are drawn with influences from East Indian art and textiles. These illustrations would be gorgeous as embroidery and tattoos as well. It's wonderful to see this type of sophisticated illustration being used in a children's book; something usually reserved for adult colouring.
This hardcover has large text and thick pages with no dust jacket. Recommended for all ages.

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Lantana Publishing 2018
Hardcover 32p
9.5" x 9.5"

On the Other Side of the Garden by Jairo Buitrago - Illustrated by Rafael Yockteng

Sensitive and poignant, Jairo Buitrago's On the Other Side of the Garden touches on the subject of family separation. Isabel is a little girl whose father has taken her to live with her grandmother in the countryside. Confused and lonely, Isabel tries to cope with her situation. At night while trying to fall asleep, Isabel meets three animal friends:  an owl, a frog and a mouse. They show her the beauty in her new surroundings and allow her time to grieve. Were Isabel's animal friends real or was she sleep walking again? Readers can draw their own conclusions.

This picture book has minimal text that is slow paced, written in the first person by Isabel. The environment is mostly solemn with bits of comic relief from the mouse but gets uplifted in the end. An emotional and thoughtful approach to helping children through the stresses of family separation. Translated to English by Elisa Amado.

The digital illustrations by Rafael Yockteng uses a limited colour palette. The depiction of the farm is wonderfully illustrated. The nighttime scenes are not too dark and the positions of the animals are cleverly placed. This bit of humour in the illustrations help to lighten the mood. Recommended for ages 5+.

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Groundwood Books 2018
Hardcover 56p
9.8" x 9.8"