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A review by asisthesea
A Charm of Goldfinches and Other Collective Nouns by Matt Sewell
5.0
"It's a flock of crows," a colleague once said to me. "Only poets call it a murder."
Author and illustrator Matt Sewell would beg to differ. There's a fascinating world of collective nouns for groups of animals out there, which he explores in A Charm of Goldfinches. The simple premise of the book is pairing collective nouns with Sewell's watercolor depictions of the animals. That would be enjoyable in its own right, but this book is so much more.
Sewell reveals the history of each unusual collective noun, but he also uses it as a lens, providing a unique perspective on each featured member of the wild kingdom. In his text and his paintings, different groups and species come alive with vibrant personality and charm.
The writing in this book is engaging and personable, both lighthearted and nuanced in its exploration of natural history and the complex relationships we humans have with it. On one page, Sewell captures my heart with the most adorable array of hedgehogs, but the next may highlight the importance of conservationism, or invite you to see a familiar animal in a brand new light.
A Charm of Goldfinches is brimming with an immense amount of heart and plenty of subtle depth. It's full of surprises and smiles, and, as it describes a flock of buntings, it's "as cute as a baby turtle's birthday party." Whether you're looking for an introduction to the charms of the natural world or to discover it anew, this book is the perfect place to start.
I received this book free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Author and illustrator Matt Sewell would beg to differ. There's a fascinating world of collective nouns for groups of animals out there, which he explores in A Charm of Goldfinches. The simple premise of the book is pairing collective nouns with Sewell's watercolor depictions of the animals. That would be enjoyable in its own right, but this book is so much more.
Sewell reveals the history of each unusual collective noun, but he also uses it as a lens, providing a unique perspective on each featured member of the wild kingdom. In his text and his paintings, different groups and species come alive with vibrant personality and charm.
The writing in this book is engaging and personable, both lighthearted and nuanced in its exploration of natural history and the complex relationships we humans have with it. On one page, Sewell captures my heart with the most adorable array of hedgehogs, but the next may highlight the importance of conservationism, or invite you to see a familiar animal in a brand new light.
A Charm of Goldfinches is brimming with an immense amount of heart and plenty of subtle depth. It's full of surprises and smiles, and, as it describes a flock of buntings, it's "as cute as a baby turtle's birthday party." Whether you're looking for an introduction to the charms of the natural world or to discover it anew, this book is the perfect place to start.
I received this book free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.