Drawn from Nature

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 2, 2018

Review

Recommending this nonfiction book for cream consideration. In the introduction Ahpornsiri explains how the various seasons of the year come to life and fade in a cyclic way and she challenges the reader to look "beyond the surface...". A table of contents lists how each season is broken down to two page spreads that discuss standout moments for each season. Awakening of trees in the Spring and hares hopping, crickets chirping and the action by the water's edge in the Summer, deer behavior and migration in Autumn and bare branches and a how foxes keep snug in the Winter. A few paragraphs on each page provide a narrative for the particular illustration. Each page is richly illustrated by Ahpornsiri's spectacular collages of pressed petals and leaves that correspond to each season. The collages are in the shapes of the various animals, fungi and background fauna that are a delight for the eyes. Every piece of each illustration is created from a plant, according to the note from the artist in the back matter. A glossary is also included, although references are not. Artists, crafters, wildlife enthusiasts and hide-and-seek fans will all appreciate and pour over this beautiful offering.

Overall Book Score: excellent