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4.41 AVERAGE
4.41 AVERAGE
What a beautiful object this book is! Each word--words that describe nature, words that children today may not learn as a matter of course--is gorgeously and evocatively illustrated, and the "spells" conjure up the wonder of the natural world. In looking at this book with a 3-year-old, my only wish was that each word was written at the beginning of the entry in a clearer, less artistic form so that a child had a chance to learn to read it. In all other ways, a magical book.
I listened to the audio book. The nature sounds between poems/spells was very nice. There were multiple voices reading. Many were fine, but some were hard to understand. This might have been a hearing issue on my part, sometimes the differences between volume levels in one piece would vary widely. This might be nice as a nap time soundtrack for a young person when deciphering all the words is less important.
I liked this even better after having a physical book in front of me. The audiobook is amazing, with nature sounds and several narrators. The illustrations add to the enjoyment of this little collection.
I had hoped to read this book in print, but couldn't find it at any of my libraries. So I borrowed the audiobook and while I was initially disappointed not to be able to enjoy Jackie Morris' fine illustrations, I came to appreciate and enjoy the poems read by Macfarlane and others. Listening to these wonderful lost words interspersed with bird song, rain sounds, and the music of the natural world in the background was its own lovely experience, and one I highly recommend.
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
An absolutely beautiful book, full of gorgeous illustrations and lovely poetry perfect for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature, adults and children alike.
The illustrations are stunning. The poems are fine. But the premise of this book - that the authors are reintroducing nature concepts to children - remains unfulfilled at the end. Poetry vaguely referencing an animal or plant in nature does not necessarily convey what that concept is, or why it is an important part of nature, or why nature is important at all. It’s a beautiful, beautiful book. For me, however, it did not achieve its professed aim.