Disclosure: I recieved a copy of The Wonder Garden by Kristjana S Williams & Jenny Broom to review. All words, thoughts and images are — as ever — entirely my own.
Every once in a while, something comes along that will cause you to catch your breath and make you want to take a closer look.
This is most definitely one of those occasions.
A couple of weeks ago I received a book to review.
Richard was with me when I opened the box; and we both gasped when we saw what was inside.
The most beautiful book I think I’ve ever seen.
Hardback, huge and beautifully illustrated, with block foiling on the cover.
The Wonder Garden.
Quick View of What You'll Find on This Page
The Wonder Garden by Kristjana S Williams & Jenny Broom
Published by Wide Eyed Editions; they say they ‘are creators of non-fiction for children and families and believe that books should encourage curiosity about the world we live in, inspiring readers to set out on their own journey of discovery.’.
I’m unsure if it’s meant as a childrens’ book — or one for adults — because my boy and I both agreed that it was one of the most gorgeous things we’d ever come across.
Most adults we know would absolutely love to be given a copy. Our little sons were totally captivated by it too. They’re obsessed with their books, but this was something a little special.
You are invited to open the cover and gaze upon earth’s ‘wonder garden’; set across five beautiful habitats, you can explore a rainforest, desert, coral reef, woodland and a mountain range.
To say the illustrations in The Wonder Garden by Kristjana S Williams & Jenny Broom are beautiful is an understatement.
They’re absolutely exquisite; intricate, engraved illustrations that depict the flora and fauna of these amazing landscapes.
Book Of Delights
If I’m perfectly honest, I didn’t actually read it to begin with — I just sat looking at the pictures.
That said, when you do begin to read the descriptions, they’re suitably captivating and will transport you on a journey, through the richly illustrated pages.
Trees spring up about you as your journey takes you into the heart of a mysterious, dark forest. The crack and rustle of your footsteps hushes the wildlife around you, but when you stop to listen, a chorus of animal sounds fills the forest air.
The book depicts 80 animals and is full of facts about, both, them and the habitats they populate. The twins were transfixed by the pictures. They loved to point out the animals.
I can see already that this book is something we’ll treasure. It’s the kind of thing that we’ll keep for ever and I’m sure it will be pored over and enjoyed for many years to come.
It would be a fantastic gift; I’d be happy to give this as a Christening present or on a special celebration. Put it this way — if someone had given me this for my birthday I’d have been absolutely thrilled. It’s gorgeous.
So gorgeous, in fact, that I didn’t think the photos on my post really do it any justice. I decided to create a little vlog to show you, in more detail, just how lovely it is.
Finally, I just want to mention that ‘The Wonder Garden’ is an absolute steal.
It’s priced at just £20, which is such a bargain. I would happily pay more for such a beautiful book.
The Wonder Garden published by Wide Eyed Editions is available from all good book sellers.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
What a beautiful book,
and there’s something magical about the cover.
and this would make a lovely christmas gift
Thanks for sharing :) x #TwinklyTuesday
Aah it’s SUCH a beautiful book Jane. A fab present — especially as you can currently buy it on Amazon for just £13!!
I got sent this too! It’s amazing…my hubby loved it the best. Think, like you say for kids and adults. Lovely review and piccys xxx Thanks for hosting x
Aaah I feel SO lucky to have been sent this one to review. The others look fab too but this one is absolutely gorgeous isn’t it? xx
What a beautiful book. It looks like one of those that you can just get lost in for an hour and come out the other side feeling all enchanted and magical. Fab video too, you’re a natural in front of the camera xx #TwinklyTuesday
Totally — it’s utterly enchanting — absolutely amazing quality, especially for the price!! And thank you!! I always feel a bit silly speaking to the camera!!! That’s so lovely of you to say xx
Wow it looks beautiful. Perfect Christmas present. Great blog too x #twinklytuesday
Aaah it’s AMAZING! Would make SUCH a fab Christmas gift :)
That book looks gorgeous just from the front cover itself… and looking through the illustrations in every page makes it more interesting to read. Great Review! #TwinklyTuesday
It’s absolutely fabulous — a real book to treasure :) xx
Wow, just wow – this is so so beautiful. I am totally adding this to the book list. I love your video too – you are such a natural on camera and you are right, the photos would not have done this justice. You look beautiful too :) Thanks for being such an awesome co-host on #TwinklyTuesday
Aaah thanks so much pet!! I normally wouldn’t think to do a vlog, off the cuff, I like to have the Vlog Club prompts!! But this book absolutely warranted it. It’s GORGEOUS!!! :)
What a gorgeous looking book. I have regularly had arguments with people about the superiority of paper books over e-books. This type of book really backs up my argument. You could not possibly get thst sense of beauty and wonderment by viewing such a book on an e-reader. #TwinklyTuesday
You would win your argument hands down with this Tracey. Honestly — when I took it out of the box my husband I both gasped and were blown away by it. You would never — in a million years — appreciate the work and beauty in this book, without actually holding a physical copy in your hands. The e-reader wouldn’t do it any justice at all.
Wow I’ve never seen a book that – it really does look captivating and the kind of book where the more you look, the more you see – if that makes sense. My husband is a fabulous artist – I think this kind of book would inspire him too :) Thanks for sharing! Mim x #TwinklyTuesday
Aah Mim — it really is gorgeous!! I’m so thrilled with it — and you’re right — you see different things every time you look at it. I bet your husband would absolutely LOVE it!! x
Wow, only £20?! That’ s an amazing present! I know what you mean about not knowing if it’s a kids book or an adults book. One of those rare crossovers! A real keeper! x
I had a look and actually on Amazon at the mo it’s £13!! Thirteen quid!!! SUCH a bargain — I am so impressed with it — it’s absolutely beautiful! x
Oh my gosh it is stunning. I adore it. Your blog is fab too. You such a natural!!!
It’s GORGEOUS isn’t it?!! Not very often that I get the urge to do an impromptu vlog but loved this book SO much. Definitely a keeper :)