Books by Nicola Davies

Book SynopsisA powerful and necessary picture book the journey of a child forced to become a refugee when war destroys everything she has ever known.Imagine if, on an ordinary day, war came. Imagine it turned your town to rubble. Imagine going on a long and difficult journey all alone. Imagine finding no welcome at the end of it. Then imagine a child who gives you something small but very, very precious... When the government refused to allow 3000 child refugees to enter this country in 2016, Nicola Davies was so angry she wrote a poem. It started a campaign for which artists contributed drawings of chairs, symbolising a seat in a classroom, education, kindness, the hope of a future. The poem has become this book, movingly illustrated by Rebecca Cobb, which should prove a powerful aid for explaining the ongoing refugee crisis to younger readers.Trade Review“In a wholly different register, The Day War Came combines Nicola Davies’s simple, hard-hitting text and Rebecca Cobb’s pencil drawings to evoke the destruction of everyday reality for the youngest victims of conflict. Thought-provoking and poignant, it’s an excellent answer to the question of how to talk to children about war.” * The Guardian *“The deceptively simple narrative combined with Rebecca Cobb’s evocative illustrations make this a useful tool for explaining the refugee crisis to younger readers.” * Oldie *“[…] it ends on a powerful notes about the power of kindness and the potential for a better future.” * Surrey Advertiser *“an incredibly powerful picture book […]. Cobb’s illustrations are both beautiful and devastating.” * The Bookseller *“A tale of humanity and compassion that is worth sharing.” * South Wales Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisThis exciting non-fiction picture book introduces young readers to the wondrous (and invisible) world of microbes.There are living things so tiny millions could fit on a dot. Although they are invisible, they are everywhere and they multiply very quickly. They are vital for life on earth, and do all sorts of things from giving us a cold and making yoghurt to wearing down mountains and helping to make the air we breathe. With charming illustrations by Emily Sutton, this friendly, clever book succeeds in conveying the complex science of micro-organisms simply and clearly, and opens up an exciting new avenue for young non-fiction.Trade ReviewWith charming illustrations, this friendly, clever book succeeds in conveying the complex science of micro-organisms simply and clearly, and opens up an exciting new avenue for young non-fiction. -- Independent Bookshop Week supplement * The Guardian *…the simple but amazing facts flow and by the end of this short read the child has a wonderful insight into ‘the tiniest lives doing the biggest jobs. * The Bath Chronicle *Get them learning science early, with playful picture books like this romp through the world of micro-organisms. Explore how we catch a cold, what bacteria go into yoghurt and all kinds of other fascinating facts, simply and entertainingly explained. * Time Out *...a brilliant book on science. Introducing the complicated and seemingly incomprehensible world of microbes in a remarkably simple and elegant way, the genius of this book is that through explorations of scale, purpose and presenting the good, the bad and the ugly, children as young as four are able to understand the complexities of these powerful and tiny creatures. With beautiful illustrations and gripping text, this was very much an "again" book. * Culture Baby *A brilliant work of non-fiction * The Schoool Run .com *

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Book SynopsisA picture book of great beauty and hope about the power we have to transform our world.On a mean street in a mean city, a thief tries to snatch an old woman's bag. But she finds she can't have it without promising something in return to plant them all. When it turns out the bag is full of acorns, the young thief embarks on a journey that changes her own life and the lives of others for generations to come. Inspired by the belief that a relationship with nature is essential to every human being, and that now, more than ever, we need to renew that relationship, The Promise is the story of a magical discovery that will touch the heart and imagination of every reader, young and old. With poignant simplicity, honesty and lyricism, Nicola Davies evokes a powerful vision of a world where people and nature live in harmony. And Laura Carlin''s delicate illustrations capture a young girl's journey from a harsh, urban reality to the beauty and vitality of a changed worldTrade ReviewA story of personal and ecological redemption, The Promise is a moving and didactic story. * Recommended Reads *A poignant, honest and lyrical story * Bath Magazine *Inspired by the belief that a relationship with nature is essential to every human being, and that more than ever, we need to renew that relationship, The Promise is the story of a magical discovery. * The Green Parent *A story about hope, community and change. It sends a positive message about the power we have as an individual to make a positive impact on our surroundings. . . he book reminds us that it is essential for us to coexist with nature in harmony and balance, that the protection and respect of nature is crucial for the survival for all species on our planet * Magpie That *Holds up a mirror to our dying, degraded cities, and then, with a simple gesture, present us with a most beautiful and transformational resolution . . . What is most profound about The Promise is that Nicola Davies takes a complex issue like urban decay, and shows us in simple, elegant prose the human cost – in a state of nature deficit, we cannot thrive. . . a deeply moving and gloriously illustrated book that does not shy away from scenes of despair, nor does it suffer from a failure of the imagination, like so many other stories with an environmental message. On the contrary, Davies and Carlin envision a brighter, more communal, and nature-abundant future, in the actionable now * 32 Pages *We loved the illustrations, which really add to the atmosphere. * Juno *The Promise is a stunning allegory that warms the heart and makes you see the world through a different lens. It is a book that causes you to stop and think and any book that can inspire change is a book well worth having. * The Illustrated Forest *A story of a magical discovery that will touch the heart and imagination of every reader, young and old. With poignant simplicity, honesty and lyricism, Nicola Davies evokes a powerful vision of a world where people and nature live in harmony. * babybuzz Magazine *This fairytale-like fable of transformation . . . ends in glorious hope and colour * The Herald (Glasgow) *“A delicate, stunningly and beautiful book.” * Times Educational Supplement *With its lyrical text and evocative artwork, this book explores our connection with nature - or lack of it - and makes a powerful plea for change. * Teach Primary *

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Margaret Mallett Picture Book Award, as part of the English 4-11 Picture Book Awards.There are living things everywhere: the more we look, the more we find. There are creatures on the tops of the tallest jungle trees, at the bottom of the coldest oceans, even under the feathers of birds and in boiling volcanic pools. So how many different kinds are there? One, two, three ... lots! From the award-winning team behind Tiny: The Invisible World of Microbes comes Lots, a beautifully illustrated introduction to the concept of biodiversity for younger readers. With words from Nicola Davies and exquisite artwork by Emily Sutton, this groundbreaking book is certain to enchant and inspire children.Clear, direct, involving text, coupled with vivid, delicate illustrations make for a truly special work of non-fiction. GuardianTrade ReviewThis is one of those special books with cross-over appeal. Tiny children will adore the illustrations, slightly older ones will learn fascinating facts and readers of any age will be moved by the message that we need to take better care of our beautiful environment. This is a gorgeously presented book. The cover is simply beautiful and every single page is a riot of vibrant colour as the author and illustrator take us on a journey around the world. […] The text is at a perfect level for very young children with additional information added within the illustrations for those who want to find out more. […] This large format hardback would make a very special gift for a child. It would be especially valuable in schools and is a must buy for primary school libraries. […] This is a treat of a book and I would highly recommend it. * thebookbag.co.uk *“Clear, direct, involving text, coupled with vivid, delicate illustrations make for a truly special work of non-fiction.” * The Guardian *“With beautiful words from Nicola Davies and exquisite illustrations by Emily Sutton, this groundbreaking book is certain to enchant and inspire children.” * Israel Book Review *“This is a book to pour and ponder over, from reading the story to picking out the different creatures in each picture, to reading the funny and fascinating animal names. Great for small people who like nature or for in-depth discussion in a primary school classroom.” * BookTrust *“glorious” * The Irish Times Weekend *

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Book SynopsisWhen animals talk, it's time humans listened: Harlon has been raised to protect her younger siblings, twins Ash and Xeno, and their outlawed power of communicating with animals. But when the sinister Automators attack their mountain home they must flee for their lives. Xeno is kidnapped and Harlon and Ash are separated. In a thrilling and dangerous adventure they must each journey alone through the ice fields, forests and oceans of Rumyc to try to rescue each other and fulfil a mysterious promise about a lost island made to their mother. A stunning environmental epic with cover and chapter illustrations by award-winning illustrator, Jackie Morris.Trade Review‘Glorious and visionary with epic adventures and beautiful characters. It balances the line between grief and wonder, hope and fear. I was chilled, heartbroken and felt reflected in it too, but the story, it is glorious and visionary with epic adventures and beautiful characters! I loved it so much.’ Dara McAnulty; ‘A passionate adventure, full of incident, intrigue, wildness and rage.’ Sunday Times Best Books for Children 2021, Nicolette Jones; ‘Storytelling on the most poetic scale – strange, bloody, grand and unforgettable.’ The Guardian; ‘A magnificent adventure story.’ The Scotsman; ‘Career-crowning … globe-spanning tale of high stakes and cross-species comradeship.’ Observer best children’s books of the year; 'A hyper-imaginative book, bringing to mind the complete works of Philip Pullman with their sprawling cast of animal familiars, Yan Martell’s Life of Pi with which it shares a tiger on a boat – although this one has "fur like fire and soot, whiskers like strands of white wire, green eyes like the aurora".’ Jon Gower, Nation Cymru

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Book SynopsisDiscover a pangolin at dusk, fly on the bat’s back, visit a lion and hear about his plight; try the moth alphabet tongue-twister, meet fighting Tazzies on a night out in Tasmania or dream about the five-legged dog and three-legged cat! Then find out about real, huge Titanosaurus and amazing Coelacanths. You might spot a kingfisher, that ‘small glint of wonder’, and see how ‘wild reclaims the world’ in the urban night-time. These beautiful poems are perfectly melded with Petr Horáček’s gorgeous, glowing paintings and the combination is extraordinary – passionate, playful, thoughtful and exciting. Like the goldfinch in the final poem, this wonderful book will ‘set the heart free and flying’.Trade Review"Horacek’s richly coloured paintings inspired Davies to write 40 poems about animals, from rollicking couplets to wonder-filled lyricism. Together, they form a passionate, magical love letter to nature." -- Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times - Best Children's Books for 2023 *"A picture book which is a true partnership of images and words. The book is both a joy to look at and read... The imagery throughout is evocative, vibrant and colourful and there is so much to explore on each page. I think that children especially will be inspired by the artwork and will want to create their own images replicating Petr’s style... This is a book that will endure. It is a book to keep but also to gift, being the perfect addition to a bedroom bookshelf or a classroom book corner. " * Just Imagine *"The Star Whale is a visually stunning large format hardback collection of 40 poems, each beautifully paired with Petr Horáček’s vibrant illustrations. Celebrating the wonders of the natural world, from pangolins and bats to lions and a Titanosaurus, The Star Whale invites both enchanting imagination and deep contemplation. This inspirational book is a delightful read for young naturalists and a fantastic resource of nature poems for KS1 and KS2 teachers. An astoundingly beautiful book." * School Reading List - Picture Book of the Month *"These beautiful poems are perfectly melded with Petr Horacek’s gorgeous, glowing paintings and the combination is extraordinary – passionate, playful, thoughtful and exciting." * Achuka (Book of the Day) *"Petr Horáček’s gorgeous illustrations are inspiring. Luminous colours glow from every spread as his artwork captures different creatures, habitats and ideas. It is almost impossible to chose a favourite as turning each page reveals new treasure to be lingered over and wondered at... For a teacher, there is so much here to inspire and develop creativity and curiosity...However, it is also a book to linger over and to love, to curl up with and dream, to share again and again and again…" * Through The Bookshelf *"The Star Whale is a lyrical and thought-provoking collection of poetry which celebrates the wonder and majesty of the natural world. Nicola Davies is herself a zoologist, and Petr Horáček has illustrated her work with extraordinary luminosity. So much of the current poetry for children is pedestrian, so a collection that fuels the imagination as this one does is very welcome." -- Anne Fine * BookTrust: Best Children's Books of 2023 *"… What a gallery of images: bold, immersive, gorgeous. But they do not stand alone. Bringing them to life are the poems by Nicola Davies. Ranging from the lyrical to the humorous, from the sensuous to the rhythm of the popular song, angry, reflective – here are poems to attract a wide range of tastes and capture imaginations... This is a volume to explore, to excite, to open anywhere and start a journey through that spread – a journey beyond the physical pages, meeting the world through words and image; an inspiration of a book." * Books for Keeps *

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Book SynopsisIt’s April in Antarctica and, in places so remote that they can only be seen by satellites, lines of Emperor Penguins appear in search of the perfect ice for raising their chicks. A wise old Empress has returned to the ice at Halley Bay year after year; with the help of her mate, she works to protect her newly-laid egg against the bitter winter. But a changing climate is making the Antarctic Ocean warmer – winds are stronger and storms are fiercer... With luminous illustrations and an introduction by climate scientist Dr Phil Trathan, this is the true story of how the Emperor penguin colony at Halley Bay was disrupted after the sea ice collapsed, and how it’s necessary to protect the environment so that these extraordinary survivors will continue to be found in the Antarctic for generations to come. "Nicola Davies is one of the best children's writers in the business." Huffington Post

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Book SynopsisAn exquisite book that evokes a child''s first experience of nature.From beachcombing to stargazing, from watching squirrels, ducks and worms to making berry crumble or a winter bird feast, this is a remarkable book part poetry, part scrapbook of recipes, facts and fragments and a glorious reminder that the natural world is on our doorstep waiting to be discovered. Mark Hearld''s pictures beautifully reproduce the colours of the seasons on woodfree paper, and Nicola Davies'' lyrical words capture the simple loveliness that is everywhere, if only we can look.Trade ReviewA fantastic introduction to nature and an engaging, evocative read that will stimulate young imaginations. Visually stunning, it’s an absolute delight – great for library story-time sessions or reading aloud at home and truly a book for all seasons * We Love This Book *Mark Hearld's illustrations are gorgeous, lush and colourful * Inis *A beautiful book which brings nature to life in words and pictures. Nicola Davies interweaves fact and fiction as she brings each season into focus. She celebrates new growth and the rich harvests of autumn. Stunning, richly textured illustrations encourage young readers to look closely at the world around them. -- Julia Eccleshare * LoveReading4Kids *The introduction has an Edwardian beauty about it . . . It's all held together in this large and weighty volume by Mark Hearld's kaleidoscopic shepherd's-hay of designs * Books for Keeps *This fantastic introduction to nature should be on every child's shelf. Page after page of vibrant illustrations captures the snippets of stories, poems and facts of the simple and beautiful world around us * Wild & Grizzly *Delightful * Caught by the River *A beautiful book because it contains keenly observant poems and breathtakingly gorgeous illustrations * Delightful Children’s Books *Both nostalgic and inspiring, this book makes you want to hurtle outdoors -- Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week *Without a doubt, one of the most beautifully written and illustrated children’s books I have ever seen * Activities 4 Kids *A First Book of Nature is a stunning collection of earthly observations distilled and repackaged for the inquisitive eyes of children . . . What makes the book so resoundingly successful though, are the beautiful collage-style illustrations by Mark Hearld. There is a visceral, texturedness to the way the images are layered upon one another that somehow invokes the great outdoors all the more palpably . . . The genuine awe at nature that emanates from every page of this book is inspiring for both parent and child in their continued exploration of the world together * We Love This Book *An exquisite book that evokes a child’s first experience of nature. From beachcombing to stargazing, from watching squirrels, ducks and worms to making berry crumble or a winter bird feast. * Mums & Tots *A gentle poetic exploration through the changing seasons, this is a book which will make those of all ages stop and think about the beauty of the world around us, in even the simplest of things. The text and illustrations work wonderfully together, as the pictures frame the text whilst really reflecting the meaning. There are activities too, which encourage interaction with the world around us. It's a book to cherish and share, one to keep and reflect upon and to pick up and read when the pressures of life get a bit much. It's a lovely way to encourage children to enjoy the world around them and to make them take note and care for that world. * Parents in Touch *My favourite is A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies. It’s a unique mix of poetry, facts, recipes and more, and its eclecticism and exquisite illustrations by Mark Hearld make it a book that children and parents will return to over the holidays, the better to enjoy freedom or to endure it -- Amanda Craig * New Statesman *Occasionally a book comes along that takes my breath away . . . a call to arms to get children to appreciate the magic of the natural world. The writer Nicola Davies delivers and enticing collection of stories, poems, facts and ideas, all brought to life by the artist and print-maker Mark Hearld’s illustrations -- Daisy Bridgewater * Telegraph Magazine, Children's Notebook *This beautifully illustrated book focuses on seasonal British wildlife * BBC Wildlife *Gorgeous… Young minds will be stimulated by this unique presentation of the natural world * Carousel *A remarkable book * Green Parent, Book of the Month *A treasury of poems, pictures and recipes, taking children on a journey through the seasons and showing them the beauty of the world around them * International Express *Illustrations are bold and rich * BBC Country File Magazine *An enthralling book . . . set against a backdrop of warm enticing illustrations that seem to bring the natural world into the room . . . a book to linger over * The Publisher’s Association’s Best New Children’s Books Summer 2014, The Guardian *Should be on every child’s bookshelf . . . each page is a wonderful journey into nature . . . the illustrations are a joy to behold and add gorgeous clarification to the wonderful text . . . and outstanding book with surprises leaping from every page * Creative Steps *A handsomely illustrated lyrical engagement with the natural world (and a perfect present for a six-year-old) – and it, and others, is rethinking what non-fiction for children might be. -- Lorna Bradbury * The Telegraph *Beachcombing, stargazing, observing animals and delicious recipe are all included in this tome * The Sun *Gorgeous miscellany . . . each poem successfully captures the wonder and curiosity of a child’s first responses to the features and sometimes dramatic changes, in the world around them. Not just a poetry collection, the blending of factual fragments, sunning illustrations and imaginative works makes this a truly wonderful creation. Young minds will be stimulated by this unique presentation of the natural world * Carousel *This is a beautiful book. It is divided into four sections each of which captures the atmosphere and changes of the seasons. The delightful illustrations are executed in various media . . . and are accompanied by a poetic and informative text that is a great introduction to the natural world * The Good Book Guide *It offers a wealth of inspiration, knowledge and celebration of everything that surrounds us. . . The poetry, the love & knowledge of nature and those wonderful illustrations - have given us three wonderful reasons to keep returning to A First Book of Nature again and again * My Book Corner *A stunning reminder that the natural world is on our doorstep waiting to be discovered. * Right Start *A beautifully illustrated book that will enchant children. * Western Morning News *Nicola Davies specialises in imparting her enthusiasm for the natural world through picture books and stories, and this beautiful volume blurs boundaries: here fiction, poetry, nonfiction, fine art and illustration overlap. She uses lyrical text and free verse to record experiences of nature that are within the reach of most children. . . Though based on observation rather than imagination, and full of easily absorbed facts, the text has poetic moments: a horse’s nose, for instance, is “more tender than your own cheek”. It makes you want to run outdoors. -- Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times *[A] Glorious compendium of the delights of nature * Telegraph Magazine *A charming compendium of things to see, feel and do outdoors, with bold and bright illustrations. * Daily Mail *Stunning illustrations compliment Nicola’s poetic and informative introduction to the environment. A charming gift for every child to treasure. * Little London *“Hearld’s nostalgic illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to this lovely chronicle of a child’s first experiences of nature.” * BookTrust *There have always been lots of nature books for kids – wonderful authors like Nicola Davies help children to connect with and understand the natural world. -- Patrick Barkham * The Guardian *If you have children, you have almost certainly read them Nicola Davies’ A First Book of Nature, illustrated with characteristic tender exuberance by Hearld. If you want a child to care about the planet, don’t tell them it’s burning, show them Hearld’s wrens and squirrels, field mice and owls. He has a child’s delight and curiosity in the natural world. A pigeon is never a pest to Herald. * The Times *

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Book SynopsisLearn everything you ever wanted to know about poo in this exciting new edition of a bestselling book.Hippos navigate by it, sloths keep in touch through it, rabbits eat it and most grown-ups prefer not to mention it at all! But however you look at it, poo is probably the most useful stuff on Earth. It comes in all shapes and sizes, and every animal has its own special sort. Find out what it's for, where it goes, what we can learn from it and lots more in this book, one of six in the Animal Science series the best biology series ever!Trade ReviewFull of fascinating information - and all scientifically based, of course. Neal Layton's wonderful cartoon illustrations are a key part of the book, adding both information and entertainment. I can pretty well guarantee that adults will find it just as engrossing as children do - even if they don't want to admit it! Parents in Touch

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Book SynopsisExciting new edition of one of the six books in zoologist Nicola Davies'' fascinating Animal Science series the best biology series ever!An exciting new edition of one of the six books in zoologist Nicola Davies'' fascinating Animal Science series the best biology series ever! Every animal has a habitat where it can find food and shelter and have its babies. But there is one group of creatures whose habitats are not forests, seas or deserts. Instead they live on or in the bodies of other animals in skin, hair, fur, feathers, blood, guts, livers, hearts and lungs. They are parasites. Uncover the secrets of their amazing life-cycles and dare yourself not to scratch or groan as you read ... then give in; it''s impossible! Short written sections with creepy-crawly diagrams and comic strips by Neal Layton make this information book engaging and accessible for young minds.

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Book SynopsisAfter getting lost at sea in a tropical storm, Ariki and Ipo discover an uncharted island and have a great adventure in the second book of the Ariki series.Ariki and Ipo are making the most of a beautiful day, sailing the sea near Turtle Island on a borrowed boat. They're too busy daydreaming to spot the grey clouds gathering overhead but then a terrible storm breaks, carrying them miles from home. After days without food or drink, they are washed up on an unfamiliar island. The island is beautiful beyond belief: they see butterflies, each one lovelier than the last, lizards chasing across the rocks and, most wonderful of all, a gigantic blue bird with eyes that glow purple. When they meet another castaway, however, the children discover this island is no paradise there are dangers lurking in the shadows! A nail-biting adventure with a strong message about endangered animals and human intervention, and a wonderful partner to Ariki and the Giant Shark.Trade Review“Fans of the animated film Moana will love this series for young, independent readers […]” * The Times, Children’s Book of the Week *

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Book SynopsisWith breathtaking illustrations and a touching story, this dazzling picture book introduces young readers to one of nature's most magnificent and essential insects: the butterfly.See how a little girl recovering from poor health finds wonder in nature and delights in planting a garden with her father to attract a fascinating array of butterflies. Exploring the life stages of butterflies, their importance to our ecosystems and the revitalising power of nature, this book is a heart-warming information story for children who love the outdoors and all its incredible creatures.At the back of the book, discover tips on how to create your own wildlife garden to attract betterflies!

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Book SynopsisNicola Davies and Jenni Desmond''s first collaboration: a spectacular tour of Planet Earth and a powerful rallying cry.Where on Earth are you, right now? It's late where I am and almost everyone's asleep, but I'm awake, looking out into the night. Wondering As the clock strikes midnight, a little girl and her sister visit animals of every shape and size, all around the world discovering that, in some places, creatures have just started their day, where in others they're already busy hunting for food. Turning the popular concept of time-zones on its head and combining it with a powerful climate message and delightful illustrations, this book is narrative non-fiction at its most spellbinding.Nicola Davies is one of the best children's writers in the business. Huffington PostJenni Desmond knows just how to make children's precious imaginations soar. GuardianTrade Reviewthis narrative non-fiction picture book is a soaring love-letter to our planet, showcasing both its beauty and fragility in a gentle and truthful way * The Bookseller *The subject of the environment continues to dominate children’s publishing, and this uplifting piece of narrative non-fiction brings fresh air to a crowded field. * The Daily Telegraph *This is a fascinating and profound book about climate change for young readers which both celebrates all the wonders of our home planet, and acts as a call to action to help save it. * Booktrust *

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Book SynopsisNicola Davies and Jenni Desmond's first collaboration: a spectacular tour of Planet Earth and a powerful rallying cry.Where on Earth are you, right now? It’s late where I am and almost everyone’s asleep, but I’m awake, looking out into the night. Wondering… As the clock strikes midnight, a little girl and her sister visit animals of every shape and size, all around the world – discovering that, in some places, creatures have just started their day, where in others they’re already busy hunting for food. Turning the popular concept of time-zones on its head and combining it with a powerful climate message and delightful illustrations, this book is narrative non-fiction at its most spellbinding.“Nicola Davies is one of the best children’s writers in the business.” Huffington Post“Jenni Desmond knows just how to make children’s precious imaginations soar.” GuardianTrade ReviewThe subject of the environment continues to dominate children’s publishing, and this uplifting piece of narrative non-fiction brings fresh air to a crowded field. * The Daily Telegraph *Charming and informative with a strong ecological message. * the Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisFrom the award-winning team behind Tiny and Lots comes a new book exploring another fascinating area of biology: growth.Vibrantly illustrated, this is a fascinating and accessible introduction to the concept of DNA for five- to eight-year-olds GuardianA beautifully illustrated introduction to the concept of DNA for younger readers. All living things grow every plant and every animal, including human beings. Some things grow fast and others grow slowly; some things grow by tiny degrees, while others grow to be enormous. Yet there''s something about the way we grow that links us all together. Ever since you were the size of a dot, your body has been following a set of instructions: a code, which connects you with every creature on the planet... With words from Nicola Davies and exquisite artwork by Emily Sutton, this groundbreaking book is certain to enchant and inspire children.Explaining the concept of DNA to young children Trade ReviewFeatured in The Daily Mirror. * The Daily Mirror *Explaining the concept of DNA to young children sounds an impossible task but Grow: Secrets Of Our DNA succeeds beautifully. * Sunday Express (S Magazine) *Vibrantly illustrated, this is a fascinating and accessible introduction to the concept of DNA for five- to eight-year-olds. * The Guardian *This time, the subject is human DNA, but Davies’s gentle prose and Sutton’s languid drawings give the book a similarly dreamy quality, which will appeal equally to children and nostalgic parents. * The Telegraph *Featured in The School Librarian’s ‘8-12 Information’ section. * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisMichael, a young boy growing up on the tropical island of Rose Town, has been saving up for his own fishing boat for years. But when a terrible storm wrecks his home, Michael is forced to take a job working for a rich, mysterious newcomer named Spargo.Spargo asks Michael to search for one thing in the deep waters around Rose Town - whales . . .Trade ReviewIt's a deeply moving story, the memory of which will stay with the reader - and hopefully will raise awareness for the plight of these beautiful creatures * Parents in Touch *

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Book SynopsisChipo and his little sister Gentle live on Papa Fudu''s dumpsite in Rubbish Town, searching for valuable things amongst the rubbish to try to stay alive. Life isn''t easy - luckily, Chipo has spirit, courage and lots of imagination! And now, he has a plan...But when Chipo and Gentle are caught with something precious that Papa Fudu wants for himself, they have to think quick, move fast. Suddenly they''re on the run...Along with their friend Dede and their loyal dog, Mouse, Chipo and Gentle set off on a dangerous and exciting journey to find a safe place to call home - meeting a cast of extraordinary characters along the way.Trade ReviewAn absorbing, powerful and uplifting story * Booktrust *It is hugely to Davies’s credit that she makes these characters live such vibrant lives in the minds of her young readers . . . The action in the narrative is unflagging and fast-paced. The language is convincing . . . I would like to see this book adopted as a primary class text -- Rebecca Butler * Armadillo Magazine *Heartwarming . . . so far removed from anything children here would experience and gives so much to think and talk about, as well as being a page-turning story to boot * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisFind out about the largest mammal on the planet in this fun, informative, award-winning picture book, part of the Nature Storybooks series.Find out about the largest mammal on the planet in this fun, informative, award-winning picture book, part of the Nature Storybooks series. The blue whale is the biggest animal that has ever lived on Earth. Curious young minds will love reading this sensuous exploration of what a blue whale feels, sounds and smells like, and learning facts about a whale''s size, life-span, diet, babies and more.Trade ReviewStunning illustrations by Nick Maland compliment the fascinating text. I loved the line, ‘the whale has eyes as big as a teacup and as dark as the deep sea.’ -- Zoe James-Williams * South Wales Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisPlayful, but filled with information, this book takes poop out of the sewers and into the scientific community where it belongs. —The Horn BookHippos navigate by it, sloths keep in touch through it, dung beetles eat it . . . and most grown-ups would rather not mention it. But scientists who study animal feces find out all sorts of things, such as the number of insects a bat eats or just how a T. rex devoured a triceratops 70 million years ago. Poop is an excellent prototype for recycling and perhaps the most useful stuff on Earth. Take a peek at Poop and find out what it’s for, where it goes, and how much we can learn from it.Back matter includes an index and a glossary.

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Book SynopsisHow does a stinkbug flirt, a bee give orders, or a panda say “back off'? A celebrated duo is back with a guide to messaging, animal-style.Humans aren't the only creatures who are constantly talking and transmitting messages: animals find all sorts of ways to keep in touch without saying a word. They use colors, patterns, smells, movements, vibrations, sounds, and even electricity to help them identify their own family or “team” — not to mention find food and shelter, defend their territory, woo the proper mate, and care for their young. From the chatter of dolphins to the click of a moth, from the stripes of a reef fish to the rumbling of elephants, this funny, fascinating book unlocks the mysteries of how animals talk and squawk to one another— and how humans try to talk back.Back matter includes an index and a glossary.

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Book SynopsisThis gorgeously illustrated volume of poetry — sprinkled with facts and fun things to do — sows an early love for nature in all its beauty and wonder.The buzz of bees in summertime. The tracks of a bird in the winter snow. This beautiful book captures all the sights and sounds of a child’s interactions with nature, from planting acorns or biting into crisp apples to studying tide pools or lying back and watching the birds overhead. No matter what’s outside their windows — city streets or country meadows — kids will be inspired to explore the world around them. Written by award-winning author Nicola Davies and illustrated by Mark Hearld, a breathtaking new talent in children’s books, Outside Your Window is a stunning reminder that the natural world is on our doorstep waiting to be discovered.

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Book SynopsisSome animal farms are up in the hills, or down winding lanes. But Silver Street Farm is different — it’s in the middle of a city, and it’s run by kids!Even though Meera, Gemma, and Karl live in the city, they’ve always wanted a farm of their own. And it looks as though their dream may happen sooner than they imagined when Meera discovers an abandoned railway station with grounds for grazing. Next, some eggs they thought were foul hatch into ducklings, and a couple of “poodles” bought off the Internet turn out to be lambs. There’s just one problem: how can the kids — and the community — persuade the city council not to turn the old site into a parking garage? The first in a series of fun-filled stories about Silver Street Farm, here is a tale with natural appeal for kids who love animals, aim to be green, and enjoy a do-it-yourself spirit of adventure.

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Book SynopsisLift the flaps and learn about animal life with two books in a fresh, fun-filled series for curious preschoolers.Here’s a hungry chameleon with a long, long tongue. And here’s a big juicy caterpillar. Can you guess what happens next? What if a honeybee comes upon a beautiful patch of flowers, but the members of her hive don’t know how to find her? Or if two chimps want to munch on termites that are out of reach deep inside a mound? Peek under large flaps to find out — and refresh your memory at the end!

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Book SynopsisAn allegorical tale of hope takes on new life in this stirring, gorgeously illustrated story.On a mean street in a mean, broken city, a young girl tries to snatch an old woman’s bag. But the frail old woman, holding on with the strength of heroes, says the thief can’t have it without giving something in return: the promise. It is the beginning of a journey that will change the thieving girl’s life — and a chance to change the world, for good. Here is the story of a magical discovery that will touch the heart and imagination of every reader, young and old. In an exciting collaboration, author Nicola Davies joins forces with illustrator Laura Carlin to create a contemporary tale inspired by Jean Giono’s 1953 story, L’homme qui plantait des arbres.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis“This tale is a sturdy one that is made even more emphatic by Davies’s terse writing style. The text is heightened in every way by Carlin’s outstanding mixed-media artwork.” — Booklist (starred review)On a mean street in a mean, broken city, a young girl tries to snatch an old woman’s bag. But the frail old woman says the thief can’t have it without giving something in return: the promise. It is the beginning of a journey that will change the girl’s life — and a chance to change the world, for good.

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Book SynopsisIn this tale of a young boy, an old man, and a dauntless pigeon, a lyrical text and extraordinary illustrations offer a gorgeous meditation on loneliness, belonging, and home. A young Italian boy has moved to the Welsh hills with his family. He feels isolated and unhappy, a stranger in a strange land. It is only when he makes an unlikely friend, an old man who lets him fly one of his pigeons in a race, that he learns how he can belong. Nicola Davies’s beautiful story — an immigrant’s tale with powerful resonance in our troubled times — is illustrated by an artist who makes the world anew with every picture.

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