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"

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"

Time for Bed Miyuki by Roxane Marie Galliez - Illustrated by Seng Soun Ratanavanh

As the sun begins to set, it is time for bed. Grandfather gently urges Miyuki to go to sleep but she is too busy doing everything else. A canopy must be made for the dragonfly queen, the vegetables have to be watered and the snails must be lead home. Follow along with Miyuki in this tender bedtime story celebrating family and nature as she attempts to evade sleep.

The illustrations created with watercolour and coloured pencil are a striking mix of textured patterns, bold colours and clean composition. The kimono, bento box, lucky cat (maneki-neko) and other Japanese cultural references and designs are showcased throughout.

The dialogue between grandfather and granddaughter is one of patience and simple enjoyment in each others company. A warm and calming read for little ones at bedtime with pictures that will create wonder leading to dreamland. First published in French as Au lit Miyuki by De La Martinière Groupe, Paris 2017. Recommended for ages 4+.

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Princeton Architectural Press 2018
Hardcover 26p
8.9" x 11.9"

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"