This is such a beautiful and heart-warming book. The importance of spending time in nature shines through on every page. The story explores a move from the country for Finn, to the city where dull, grey buildings are all that he can see. But wild spaces, can be found in cities as well as the countryside, where creatures of all shapes and sizes can roam freely. Finn discovers a hibernating hedgehog and a hungry fox along with different plants and birds galore. It is an inspiring story of adventure close at home and a helpful Grandpa who lends a gentle hand along the way.
At a time when we are all spending time in our own neighbourhoods, whether in towns or the countryside, Finn’s Garden Friends is a great way to explore the outside, find real creatures, large and small, move away from the ‘screens’ and explore together into our wonderful world.
Rachel Lawston is the author and she is a keen amateur orchid hunter bird watcher and bat detector. She is also a designer with publishers such as Walker Books and Penguin Random House. Rachel lives in London and near the Wetland Centre in Barnes, where she is a very keen volunteer.
Lisa Visirin is a new illustrator and is highly talented with children’s books themes. Her illustrations match beautifully with the text in Finn’s Garden Friends.
Pikku Publishers produce very thoughtful, original books with high quality illustrations. They are inventive and creative only publishing titles and books they are passionate about. Many of their books are award winning and at Books Go Walkabout we love being part of their story.
I’m now off to take this book into the garden with me, to find out if I too can find these creatures under the hedge or maybe behind the wooden shed.
Sue Martin
