C. E. Moore

Nature's noises, variety and so much more are presented with enthusiasm, respect, and a contagious desire to want to explore.

It was the cover on this one, which caught my attention with the large words and the invitation to hear nature around us. I'll admit I expected something a little different than what this book provides...which isn't a bad thing. The various noises in nature are presented, but this isn't connected to specific animals or places or times of day as I thought it might be. These pages go beyond that, using the noises as a more general point to stop and listen and enjoy. It's nature and the world around us, which is stressed along with the variety of life around the world.

The illustrations hold details and portray nature in various and artistic-touched ways. Everything from changing seasons to sleeping animals to environmental issues to wildlife is hit upon. There are quite a few things for readers to gaze at and find, making this one to revisit and search for more. The calmness and variety of life is definitely brought across well.

The joy for nature and need to step away from life and let it sink in comes across, especially in the ending spreads. I did find some sections a bit wandering and overly broad, but then, it's more of a general message about nature and the world with an atmosphere, which edges on dreamy and poetic. In that sense, the cover only hints at a part of what is to come. But nature fans will find many things to enjoy. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed the atmosphere.… (meer)