A First Book of Animals

“I may have wanted A First Book of Animals because of Petr Horacek’s illustrations, but I will be looking out for other books from Nicola Davies, because her writing is beautiful. […] this is one that will stay on our bookshelf for a long time to come.” * Diaryofafirstchild.com *“An exquisitely written and illustrated book […] This is a magical book – quite extraordinary in its lyrical language – and although non-fiction, it reads like a fantastical story of animals lives. Nicola Davies has a gist for creating original descriptions in both prose and poetry, which allow the reader to draw perfect visual pictures in their minds, whilst at the same time informing and educating with the idiosyncrasies of each creature’s habits and habitat. I was enthralled, and confess to learning a huge number of facts which had me gripped and page turning. The illustrations by Petr Horacek are equally magical. The colour palette vibrant and exciting. The drawings are skilfully detailed enough without being too technical. […] it is exciting, engaging and different.” * The School Librarian *

Nicola Davies is an award-winning author, whose many books for children include A First Book of Nature, A First Book of Animals, Tiny, The Promise, King of the Sky, Ice Bear, Big Blue Whale, Dolphin Baby, Just Ducks, Poo and the Heroes of the Wild series. She graduated in zoology, studied whales and bats and then worked for the BBC Natural History Unit. Nicola lives in Wales.

Petr Horacek trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague before becoming a graphic designer, painter and author-illustrator. His titles Strawberries Are Red and What Is Black and White? won the Books for Children Newcomer Award in 2002. Born in Czechoslovakia, Petr now lives in Worcester with his wife and two daughters.