Over in the Woodland: A Mythological Counting Journey by Nicole and Shar Abreu - Illustrated by Susanna Covelli

A rhyming adventure for the youngest of readers. Follow a pride of griffins as they fly through the woodlands watching over all the inhabitants of their magical home. In simple rhyme, mythological characters are introduced in a family setting; each featuring or performing their principal attributes. Ten families are introduced, beginning with the rebirth of the phoenix and his son. Familiar characters are present, like the elusive unicorn and fire breathing dragons. An index of creatures in the end provide a short definition and summary.

Shiny, dewy and magical are the illustrations Susanna Covelli has created for this mythical world. Playful trolls under a bridge or hardworking dwarves learning their craft displayed with earnestness and innocence. The woodland seems like a happy place to be. Recommended for ages 3+.

Amazon
Familius LLC 2020
Hardcover 32p
9.3" x 11.1"

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+.

Amazon
Brolly Books 2020
Hardcover 96p
8.8" x 11.8"

Pearl by Molly Idle

In this undersea world, mermaids are the guardians of ocean life. Some watched over the waves, some guarded the ocean giants and some tended to the kelps below. A young mermaid named Pearl longs to be like them; to have important responsibilities and to feel needed. So when her mother gives her a single grain of sand to care for, Pearl is frustrated and disheartened. What begins as utter disappointment for Pearl, transforms into hard work and achievement, culminates into a shining climax.

The illustrations are full page throughout depicting the ocean in deep hues against brighter colourful mermaids with light peering from above. The result is luminous and captivating. Molly Idle uses coloured pencils for her art; creating a soft and fluid environment. An illuminating tale both in words and pictures. Recommended for ages 4+.

Amazon
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2018
Hardcover 48p
8.4" x 9.9"