KIDS’ BOOK OF THE WEEK

NATURE TRAIL

By Benjamin Zephaniah, illustrated by Nila Aye, Orchard Books, £12.99 (ebook £8.99)

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Poet Benjamin Zephaniah’s latest book taps into the feelings many of us have had during the lockdowns of the past year. We’ve found new joy in nature – and anyone trapped in a flat or self-isolating without access to the outdoors will fully understand the heartfelt cry at the end of the book: that we all deserve a garden of our own.

This beautifully illustrated picture book is a joy to read with small children, with lots of charming creatures like beetles in feather boas and hedgehogs playing cards, and the poetry makes it a delight to read out loud.

It encourages you to look at nature, and notice everything from the snails searching for food to the caterpillars waiting to turn into butterflies.

The illustrations make it very inclusive, so children will be able to see themselves reflected in the pages.