A stunning anthology that blends poetry and information about the sea, from an award-winning team.
From Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton, the multi award-winning team behind Tiny and Lots, comes a spellbinding collection of poems about the oceans of the world and their shores. With this book, children can swim alongside dolphins and flying fish, pore over rockpools and sail from pole to pole and back, learning about everything from phosphorescence and plankton to manta rays and puffins - all in the comfort of their bedroom.
Emily Sutton's exquisite watercolours capture the breathless excitement of a child's first glimpse of the sea, the majesty of ancient trading ships and the sheer, staggering wonder of the humpback whale. The perfect companion to international bestsellers A First Book of Nature and A First Book of Animals, this book is sure to enthral and inspire readers of all ages.
Book features :
- Beautifully observed poems by biologist and children's author Nicola Davies and enchanting illustrations from Emily Sutton, one of the country's finest illustrators.
- This is the third and final title in Nicola Davies' First Book series, after A First Book of Nature and A First Book of Animals.
- Includes a dramatic foldout of a humpback whale.
About the Author
Nicola Davies is an award-winning author, whose many books for children include
A First Book of Nature, A First Book of Animals, Tiny, Lots, The Promise, King of the Sky, Ice Bear, Big Blue Whale, Dolphin Baby, Just Ducks, Poo and the
Heroes of the Wild series. She graduated in zoology, studied whales and bats and then worked for the BBC Natural History Unit. Nicola lives in Crickhowell, Wales.
About the Illustrator
Emily Sutton graduated from Edinburgh College of Art with a degree in illustration. As well as illustrating picture books, she paints, sculpts and designs prints. Emily's first picture book,
Clara Button and the Magical Hat Day, was published by the V&A. Her previous titles for Walker include
Tiny, The Christmas Eve Tree and
Lots. Emily lives in York.
Industry Reviews
"[...] it immerses the reader in the riches and terrors of the ocean, showing human depredation as well as swirling shoals and the mysteries of migration." * The Guardian *
"gloriously illustrated" * The Daily Telegraph, Best 50 Books of 2018 *
"If you take only one picture book away this summer, make it this." * The Telegraph *
"a riot of summer nostalgia." * Telegraph.co.uk, Christmas Books of 2018 *
"[...] a spellbinding anthology of poetry on the wonders to be found above and below the waves." * Coast *
"[...] this compendium of rhymes brilliantly captures the excitement of a child's first glimpse at the sea." * babylondon.co.uk *
"With tales of the world's oceans, this compendium of rhymes brilliantly captures the excitement of a child's first glimpse of the sea." * Baby London *
"This ravishing coffee-table volume of poems is the perfect companion to a seaside holiday, cruise or day out, full of language rich observations about wildlife and beaches and illustrated with engrossing visual variety and charm." * The Sunday Times *
"Like fish and chips, Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton are meant for each other. You can almost smell the surf between the pages." * The Times *
"The languid illustrations by Emily Sutton lend the whole book an enchanting, dream-like quality. If you take only one picture book away this summer, make it this." * Telegraph.co.uk *
"Just dive in and enjoy." * The Sunday Express *
"[...] a beautiful book that will keep children enthralled." * Smallish *
"This collection of poems about the oceans of the world, accompanied by Emily Sutton's stunning watercolours, perfectly captures the excitement of seeing the sea for the first time [...]" * Nursery World *
"This collection of poems with watercolours illustrations is a future classic." * Mother and Baby *
"[....] an outstanding and wondrous evocation of the sea." * Red Reading Hub *
"A spellbinding collection [...]" * ParentTalk *
"This spellbinding collection of poems about the oceans of the world and their shores will enthral and inspire readers of all ages." * Bath Magazine *
"A First Book of the Sea dazzles, wherever you read it." * tygertale.com *
"Emily Sutton's exquisite watercolours capture the breathless excitement of a child's first glimpse of the sea, the majesty of ancient trading ships and the sheer, staggering wonder of the humpback whale." * Green Parent *
"This is a truly beautiful book which will be looked at and enjoyed over and over again, all the while opening children's eyes to the importance of looking after this precious resource. Beautifully produced too, to make a perfect gift." * ParentsInTouch *
"This is a celebration of the sea to be enjoyed and savoured, whilst also, subtly and cleverly, teaching and informing readers, both young and old, about the wonders of our watery world." * Carousel Christmas Guide 2018 *
"[...] full of heartwarming poems." * http://thenextbestthingtomummy.com *
"[...] a celebration of our blue planet in all its glory." * The Irish Independent *
"This is a truly beautiful book which will be looked at and enjoyed over and over again, all the while opening children's eyes to the importance of looking after this precious resource. Beautifully produced too, to make a perfect gift." * Parents in Touch *
