The Unwinding - by Jackie Morris (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book is not meant to be read from cover to cover. It is a book for dreamers. Slight of word, rich of image, its purpose is to ease the soul. The paintings between these covers were worked in the between times, an unwinding of the soul, when the pressures of work were too much. Dreams and wishes are the inspiration at times like this. Threaded through the curious world of The Unwinding are words, slight and lyrical. Their aim is to set the reader's mind adrift from the troubles of our times, into peaceful harbours where imagination can stretch, where quiet reflection can bring peace. The Unwinding is designed to be a companion, a talisman to be turned to again and again and a place of respite from an increasingly frantic and complex world.

Book Synopsis

A highly illustrated pillow book to prompt dreaming and creativity by Kate Greenaway Medal-winning artist Jackie Morris

Longlisted for the 2021 Kate Greenaway Medal

"A quiet masterpiece . . . a love story, a hope story, a story out of time, out of stricture, out of the narrow artificial bounds by which we try to contain the wild wonderland of reality because we are too frightened to live wonder-stricken." --Maria Popova, Brain Pickings

"The tales feel like half-remembered dreams, peopled with fairytale characters and magnificent creatures." -- Rebecca Armstrong, i Paper Best Books of 2020

This book is not meant to be read from cover to cover.

Instead, it is a book for dreamers. Its purpose? To ease the soul.

From award-winning writer/illustrator Jackie Morris, on the heels of 2020'sThe Lost Spells, is a book that enters the realm of dreaming. With its combination of lush illustration and creative storytelling, this book is destined to become a classic.

The paintings between these covers were worked in the between times--between waking and dreaming, during the unwinding of the soul, when the pressures of work were too much.

Half-story, half-fairytale, Jackie Morris has created an enchanting tome, to keep on the bedside table, to give as a gift to young and old alike.

Threaded through the curious world ofThe Unwinding are words, there to set the reader's mind adrift from their own troubles and the into peaceful harbors where imagination can stretch, and where quiet reflection can bring peace.

The Unwinding is designed to be a companion, a talisman to be turned to again and again and a place of respite from an increasingly frenetic and complex world.

Dreams and wishes are the inspiration at times like this.

Review Quotes

"Morris urges in this calming bedtime elixir, perfect after a festive holiday celebration." -- NPR

"Any reader would find peace in its surreal simplicity." -- Michigan Daily

About the Author

Jackie Morris is an author and illustrator. She studied illustration at Hereford College of Art and Bath Academy and has illustrated many books, and written some. The Lost Words, co-authored with Robert Macfarlane, won the Kate Greenaway Medal 2019.

@JackieMorrisArt