A First Book of Nature

A fantastic introduction to nature and an engaging, evocative read that will stimulate young imaginations. Visually stunning, it’s an absolute delight – great for library story-time sessions or reading aloud at home and truly a book for all seasons * We Love This Book *Mark Hearld’s illustrations are gorgeous, lush and colourful * Inis *A beautiful book which brings nature to life in words and pictures. Nicola Davies interweaves fact and fiction as she brings each season into focus. She celebrates new growth and the rich harvests of autumn. Stunning, richly textured illustrations encourage young readers to look closely at the world around them. – Julia Eccleshare * LoveReading4Kids *The introduction has an Edwardian beauty about it … It’s all held together in this large and weighty volume by Mark Hearld’s kaleidoscopic shepherd’s-hay of designs * Books for Keeps *This fantastic introduction to nature should be on every child’s shelf. Page after page of vibrant illustrations captures the snippets of stories, poems and facts of the simple and beautiful world around us * Wild & Grizzly *Delightful * Caught by the River *A beautiful book because it contains keenly observant poems and breathtakingly gorgeous illustrations * Delightful Children’s Books *Both nostalgic and inspiring, this book makes you want to hurtle outdoors – Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Week *Without a doubt, one of the most beautifully written and illustrated children’s books I have ever seen * Activities 4 Kids *A First Book of Nature is a stunning collection of earthly observations distilled and repackaged for the inquisitive eyes of children . . . What makes the book so resoundingly successful though, are the beautiful collage-style illustrations by Mark Hearld. There is a visceral, texturedness to the way the images are layered upon one another that somehow invokes the great outdoors all the more palpably … The genuine awe at nature that emanates from every page of this book is inspiring for both parent and child in their continued exploration of the world together * We Love This Book *

Nicola Davies is an award-winning author, whose many books for children include The Promise, Ice Bear, Big Blue Whale and the Silver Street Farm series. She graduated in zoology, studied whales and bats and then worked for the BBC Natural History Unit. Underlying all Nicola’s writing is the belief that a relationship with nature is essential to every human being, and that now more than ever, we need to renew that relationship. Nicola lives in Abergavenny, Wales.

Mark Hearld, a breathtaking new talent in children’s books, is a distinguished artist and printmaker. He studied Illustration at Glasgow School of Art and Natural History Illustration at the Royal College. He now teaches at art colleges in Hull and Edinburgh and has recently designed a range of bags and stationery for the Tate and held a solo exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Inspired by the natural world, especially by animals, Mark makes prints, paintings and collages, as well as textiles and ceramics. Mark lives in York.