The Wonder Garden

The Wonder Garden 
Kristjana S Williams 
Written by Jenny Broom

Published by Wide Eyed Books

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It is true that I have neglected Non-fiction books on this blog so far.  However, I will blame my 7-year-old son, Noah - he keeps stealing them.  I have had to get this one from by his bed in order to review it. 

The Wonder Garden is a beautifully illustrated book which allows its readers to 'wander through five habitats to discover eighty amazing animals.'

The book entices children and adults alike through the golden gates on the cover and into the wondrous garden that is planet Earth.  From deserts, rainforests and mountains to oceans we are met by double spread after double spread of richly illustrated landscapes and beautifully drawn creatures. 

The language used in the text is challenging also using the latin names of the animals alongside the common.  The author describes the creatures vividly, using poetic language amongst the technical. (See extract below) 

"Black Caiman
Melanosuchus niger

Beware the Black Caiman stealthily sliding through the water.  This creature is so powerful that fully grown - protected by its scaly armour and strong jaws - it becomes an apex predator, un-hunted by any other species."

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Other beautifully illustrated non-fiction texts with an animal theme. 

Click on the images for further information

Please leave further suggestions in the comments section below. 

The Land of Neverbelieve by Norman Messenger is a natural world non-fiction book with a difference - It is all made up!