It isn’t often that a children’s book appears that I think is worthy of pride of place on my adult bookshelf. This is the bookshelf where children need to be very respectful and careful with the books rather than fling them about willy nilly once they’ve read them. However, this is one of those very special books. The illustrations and writing are absolutely delightful, some of the best I’ve seen in this genre of books and this really is a book that is worth its weight in gold.
A First Book of Animals is a tour right through the animal kingdom from Birds of Paradise through to Sailfish, wide-ranging with the unusual alongside the usual. The illustrations are worthy of an art gallery and i’d love to have most of them on my wall. My children particularly liked the page about beetles, they sat and discussed them talking about the features of all the different sorts and which colours they liked best.
Although this book is suitable for all ages, it’s clearly aimed at a younger audience as it is a ‘First’ book of animals. I think the writing is perfectly pitched with short poems or details about each of the animals. These provide just enough information to spark and interest and further discussion without boring the child. They’re sparky and punchy little bits of writing which are simply delightful. Fifi (7) pointed out to me that there are lots of poems which provide inspiration for the sorts of things they are doing at school in literacy.
I cant praise this book enough, its simply delightful and really nicely presented. I think this is an ideal Christmas Gift or a Christening present for a special little person in your life. I can guarantee that they will keep it till they are older and will always be able to find something which delights.
You can find out more about the book here. I hope you love it as much as we do.
Disclaimer:We were kindly sent a review copy
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