My kids and I love looking at books about nature, especially nature books full of gorgeous illustrations. My preschooler son really enjoys books that feature birds because he is obsessed with owls. When recently offered the chance to review Wonders of Nature: Explorations in the World of Birds, Insects, and Fish written and illustrated by Florence Guiraud from Prestel Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to add a new title to my home library.
Author/Illustrator
Originally from Lot et Garonne, author and illustrator Florence Guiraud began her studies at the Beaux-Arts in Toulouse and graduated from the National School of Decorative Arts in Paris. She has authored and illustrated more than 60 books and has received several awards including the prestigious Saint-Exupéry Prize and a mention at the International Children’s Book Fair in Bologna. She currently resides in Anglet, France in the Basque Country.
Synopsis
Recommended for children between the ages of 5 and 9 in kindergarten through fourth grade, Wonders of Nature: Explorations in the World of Birds, Insects, and Fish offers a stunningly-illustrated treasury of animals that promises to entrance and delight young children interested in the world of nature. The large format book features birds, insects, and fish in an illustration-style reminiscent of the watercolors of Ernst Haeckel, John James Audubon, and Maria Sibylla Merian. Double-page spreads are interspersed with informative text that are certain to captivate both children and adults. The 96-page hardback book measures 10.8 inches by 14.5 inches and currently retails for $16.51 on Amazon with a list price of $25.00.
Evaluation
When I first opened Wonders of Nature: Explorations in the World of Birds, Insects, and Fish, I found myself absolutely amazed by the gorgeous illustrations. The oversized picture book contains seven chapters that look at birds, insects including butterflies, and marine creatures including fish and crustaceans. The focus of the book is on the illustrations, but I also enjoy reading the directories of text in each chapter. For example, I learned that a mallard regularly pops its eyes open when asleep to check for predators. My 7-year-old, who just started third grade, can easily read the text on her own with just a little help with some of the biggest words. My 4-year-old also enjoys listening to me read excerpts out loud.
The gorgeous and detailed illustrations in Wonders of Nature are by far the defining feature of the book. Florence Guirauld has creatively and painstakingly drawn beautiful creatures that abound in nature. The up-close illustrations of dragonflies, feathers, scales, and more draw readers, young and old alike, into the beauty that is the natural world. I could spend hours poring over the delicate details throughout the pages. My two oldest children also enjoy looking at all the minutiae, and even my toddler likes pointing out familiar images throughout the pages. Wonders of Nature is a must-read for any nature or art lover!
Final Verdict
If you are searching for a book that looks at the wonderful world of nature close-up, I definitely recommend checking out Wonders of Nature: Explorations in the World of Birds, Insects, and Fish written and illustrated by Florence Guiraud from Prestel Publishing. The gorgeous and detailed illustrations capture the wondrous beauty that populates the oceans, forests, and fields of the world. Created for children between the ages of 5 and 9, the book is sure to astound readers of all ages as well. With my own little nature lovers combing through the pages, Wonders of Nature is a new favorite in The Parenting Patch house!
Purchase Wonders of Nature: Explorations in the World of Birds, Insects, and Fish on Amazon via my affiliate link.
Image Credits
‘Wonders of Nature: Explorations in the World of Birds, Insects, and Fish’ Book Review © 2019 Heather Johnson
Front Cover of ‘Wonders of Nature: Explorations in the World of Birds, Insects, and Fish’ © 2019 Heather Johnson
Back Cover of ‘Wonders of Nature: Explorations in the World of Birds, Insects, and Fish’ © 2019 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘Wonders of Nature: Explorations in the World of Birds, Insects, and Fish’ 1 © 2019 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘Wonders of Nature: Explorations in the World of Birds, Insects, and Fish’ 2 © 2019 Heather Johnson
