Magnificent Creatures - by Anna Wright (Hardcover)

About the Book

The illustrator of "A Tower of Giraffes" delivers a unique picture book showing the character of a selection of animals beyond their familiar forms. Full color.

Book Synopsis

"Children (and adults) who like unusual illustration styles will be entranced by these creatively depicted creatures."--Kirkus

STARRED Foreword Review

Anna Wright's stunning introduction to non-fiction and the natural world is enlivened by her gorgeously sophisticated and fun art style which mixes pen and ink, watercolor and fabric collage. Find out what "pronking" is and how one jellyfish can become two in the humorous descriptions. Both educational and beautiful Anna's unique picture book shows the character of these animals beyond their familiar forms.

Not your average animal book - this book depicts animals that don't feature in other children's books, including: sea turtle, springbok, jellyfish, crab, zebra, starling, monarch butterfly, bumblebee, snow goose, herring, Southern Carmine bee-eater, and firefly. The selection of magnificent creatures will delight adults and children alike.

Review Quotes

"A herd of South African springbok, a kaleidoscope of migrating butterflies, a murmuration of starlings, and a massive school of silver herring are beautifully rendered in this unique collection of natural science facts. Winsome pen-and-ink artwork, richly patterned fabrics, and shimmering golden accents capture the fluidity and graceful movement of animal collectives in a dozen enchanting images of feathers and fur, shells and fins, antlers and tentacles, all in perpetual motion."--STARRED Foreword Reviews

"Wright's first book (A Tower of Giraffes) was a record of collective nouns for 16 animal groups. Her second title focuses on 12 animals and their movements. Various methods of travel from place to place include swimming, jumping, running, scuttling, and flying. A few of the creatures may be new to young readers, such as southern carmine bee-eaters, starlings, and springboks, but others are well-known - zebras, fireflies, and bumblebees. The illustrations, using pen-and-ink, watercolor, and fabrics, steal the show and add whimsy to the factual text. Each animal has a two-page spread showing one or two large figures and several smaller ones placed around the pages. In three to five sentences, Wright imparts pertinent information about each of the animals. Some of this information is, at times, confusing - the author mentions that animals migrate from North America south to Mexico, though most authorities state that Mexico is in North America. Still, this is a worthwhile purchase, and children interested in animals and how they move will be drawn in." Booklist

About the Author

Anna Wright is an artist and illustrator. Her rural upbringing, in southwest Scotland, introduced her to flora and fauna, which alongside her love of interiors, fabrics and wallpaper have shaped her work. Since exploring these influences at Edinburgh College of Art, Anna has grown her trademark style of colour and humor, from her studios in London and Edinburgh.