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.
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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 wondrous book, enchanting! Your photos and video are stunning and this is now on the Christmas list for the boys! You are such a natural on camera, please shoot more: gorgeous x
Thanks so much Vixter — that’s so lovely of you. I still feel a bit of a wally when I see myself on film to be honest — that said — I was SO desperate to show this book in it’s best light!!! It was definitely worth a little movie :) It’s absolutely glorious — totally worth getting. Your boys will love it — the twins are totally captivated by it xx
Well that’s definitely one to go on the Christmas list! Isn’t it just beautiful!!
It’s absolutely GORGEOUS. Honestly — I’m so, so impressed with it. Definitely going to look at buying the other editions; such a beautiful book :)
It is such a gorgeous book isn’t it?! Thankfully Freyja is old enough to appreciate her copy and treat it carefully – we don’t let Emily near it yet!
Thanks for linking up to #SundayStars
Aaah it’s SO beautiful! It’s the kind of thing that I would have been absolutely obsessed by, as a child. There are a couple of books that I remember being totally captivated by, as a little girl, but they weren’t nearly as lovely as this one xx
Looks lovely. Books like this will be treasured for ages and ages. Love it.
#twinklytuesday
Aah totally — this book will most definitely be treasured! It’s gorgeous :)
Oh yes I saw a review for this book and thought it looked amazing, so glad to hear more about it #TwinklyTuesday
It’s so beautiful Mac — a real keeper! :)
That looks like a truly stunning title. I think my eldest would absolutely love it. Exactly the kind of thing she is in to. I am tempted to get a copy. Thanks for sharing and for hosting ‘#twinkytuesday
Aah John — HONESTLY get it for her Christmas stocking!! It’s the most glorious book — I would have absolutely loved it when I was a little girl!! And *do* as a big girl too :)
It’s a beautiful book! Woweeeee my mummy would love this just for her! We’re going to check it out now! #TwinklyTuesday x
You mummy would LOVE it — it’s absolutely gorgeous. The prettiest book I think I’ve ever seen!
What a lovely review to do …. I do like beautiful and informative books like that, then one I’d like for my boy when he’s older. Beautiful pictures and lovely vlog too. :-) #TwinklyTuesday
Thanks so much lovely :) It was SUCH a lovely reviewed to do — I’ve never reviewed a book before. What a lovely one to start things off!
This looks amazing! I have bought a couple of books that I’ve just fell in love with but aren’t quite suitable for the littlies just yet. One was a beautiful map book by Big Picture Books. I think I’ll definitely be adding this to a Christmas List.
#TwinklyTuesday
Aaah the boys were absolutely transfixed by it — SO many things to look at in the pictures!
What a gorgeous book and such a wonderful way to learn more about different habitats and animals. Those illustrations are just beautiful :-)
It’s SO beautiful — would highly recommend!