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4.41 AVERAGE
4.41 AVERAGE
What a beautiful response to the sad situation of nature disappearing from childhood...and adulthood.
This is a magnificent little book. Although much older than the intended audience, and not the biggest fan of poetry, I was captivated by the idea that prompted this book. Its gorgeous illustration style sealed the deal.
I wasn't entirely ready for its size, and I will certainly struggle to find a rightful place for it! But the size of it made it so much more enjoyable to leaf through it, oooh and aaah over the magnificent watercolor paintings, and lament over the loss of knowledge that it signals. To hear that all of these words that are completely commonplace for so many of us are 'no longer relevant for juniors' is beyond depressing. Indeed, we need to do more to ensure our children are still connected to the natural world, not just the digital.
I wasn't entirely ready for its size, and I will certainly struggle to find a rightful place for it! But the size of it made it so much more enjoyable to leaf through it, oooh and aaah over the magnificent watercolor paintings, and lament over the loss of knowledge that it signals. To hear that all of these words that are completely commonplace for so many of us are 'no longer relevant for juniors' is beyond depressing. Indeed, we need to do more to ensure our children are still connected to the natural world, not just the digital.
I read the book and wrote this review before I realized this is a children’s book, so maybe I’m being a bit harsh, but...
-I do realize however most of my points are moot now-
I feel like this is something I’d read as a 16 year old and think was so profound, even though I doubt I would’ve actually been able to point out anything “deep”. 16 is probably when I added this to my TBR anyway. Speaking of, most of these poems sound as if they could be written by the average high schooler. Basically the book was a bunch of nature poems. I listened to the audiobook and there’s way too many long, unnecessary parts of just birds cawing between the poems. The book was 45 minutes and at least 15-20 minutes of it was birds or rain. I do wish I could’ve read the physical book though to see the illustrations.
-I do realize however most of my points are moot now-
I feel like this is something I’d read as a 16 year old and think was so profound, even though I doubt I would’ve actually been able to point out anything “deep”. 16 is probably when I added this to my TBR anyway. Speaking of, most of these poems sound as if they could be written by the average high schooler. Basically the book was a bunch of nature poems. I listened to the audiobook and there’s way too many long, unnecessary parts of just birds cawing between the poems. The book was 45 minutes and at least 15-20 minutes of it was birds or rain. I do wish I could’ve read the physical book though to see the illustrations.
Just incredible! The mission, the "lost words" now found again through this unfolding of wondrous art and poetry, and the mystery to unfold which lost word we will uncover next was such a smart and engaging idea! I can not believe dictionaries actually started omitting these words and put technical words in its place. We are all born from the natural world and so it must be honored and appreciated. This was such a unique, beautiful, and important book for people of all ages to remind us of the natural beauty around us.
The review of this book on its publication meant it went immediately onto my 'Want to Read' list. I was given a copy as a gift.
The opening page of prose moved me so much. I was left with a deep sadness for things lost. It reminded me of the title of a BBC Radio programme about Hebridean culture - "Many a beautiful thing had the people that are gone."
The poetry and art work combine powerfully.
It is impossible to rank nor pick out a favourite. How can one single out when there is such powerful variety as seen in the cheekiness of Ivy, the playfulness of Newt and tumbling of Starling to name but three.
Highly recommended and a book to read and read again.
The opening page of prose moved me so much. I was left with a deep sadness for things lost. It reminded me of the title of a BBC Radio programme about Hebridean culture - "Many a beautiful thing had the people that are gone."
The poetry and art work combine powerfully.
It is impossible to rank nor pick out a favourite. How can one single out when there is such powerful variety as seen in the cheekiness of Ivy, the playfulness of Newt and tumbling of Starling to name but three.
Highly recommended and a book to read and read again.
A collection of poems. Easy and fun but not profound or significant.
Gorgeously illustrated, this oversized book of playful poetry brings a sense of wonder to the natural world around us and the "forgotten" words for the flora and fauna that enrich our environment.
Spellbindingly beautiful book, both words and pictures. A few moments peace over Christmas break to read this out loud straight through were a real treat.
I will return to this book many times over the years and look forward to my children being old enough that I can read it to them.
I will return to this book many times over the years and look forward to my children being old enough that I can read it to them.
The illustrations are breathtaking and Macfarlane's alliterations and word puns are a delight to read out loud - a truly spellbinding experience. It also made me want to immediately leave my house and hike in nature in search of lovely magical creatures.
An oversized and beautiful work of art, capturing lost words -- the words that were removed from the dictionary. Each word comes with some of the loveliest art you have seen in a book, and poems that will have your tongue dancing with joy and wonder.