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.
Wow. This book looks incredible. I’m always looking for excellent new books because I love having them at home, but also because I think books always make the best gifts. This one looks perfect for both purposes. Thanks so much for sharing your review. #TwinklyTuesday
Aah I totally, wholeheartedly recommend it for a gift — the recipient would be absolutely thrilled!
What a gorgeous book – on our Christmas list now! Each of the four children has a bookcase handmade by their grandpa which is full of books, but we will make space! #TwinklyTuesday
I can’t recommend it enough — honestly — I was blown away when I opened the box!
This looks wonderful for learning and imagination too #Twinklytuesday
It’s absolutely fantastic — so, so beautifully illustrated. The twins think it’s fabulous! :)
Great video and photos Caro – what an amazingly beautiful book! I adore books like this and my children seem to be following in my footsteps. I will be putting this on the list of Christmas presents to buy :) It will have a place on our shelf of ‘special books to share’. Thanks so much for sharing #TwinklyTuesday
Honesty Sara — you won’t regret it! I can’t remember the last time I was so blown away by something! And thanks for your lovely comment! :)
Now that looks like a beautiful book! #twinklytuesday xx
Aah it’s SO beautiful :)
Oh wow that looks beautiful. I do love a beautiful book..it’s the librarian in me ;) #twinklytuesday xx
Gosh — you really would love in in the flesh!! It’s fabulous — the most lovely book I’ve ever seen! x
This looks perfect for my nature loving nephew and my very inquisitive middle girl – who will definitely appreciate the artwork! – what a beautiful coffee table book. x #twinklytuesday
Aah Lianne — they’ll absolutely love it, I’m sure! :)
This looks lovely – so beautiful! #twinklytuesday
It really is beautiful — I hope the photos do it justice!
This book look beautiful! My two love books with amazing illustrations, so this could be perfect for them! How fabulous that you got to review it. Great vlog too!
#twinklytuesday
Thanks ever so much! :) Aah I really recommend it — it’s absolutely stunning!
Oh my gosh it’s so, so beautiful! What stunning illustrations. I adore the colours. I want it for myself. It looks wonderful! Xx #twinklytuesday
It’s fabulous Chloe — a really, really gorgeous thing. It’s definitely one to keep xx