Description

Answer the call of the wild with this timeless, stunningly beautiful gift book from one of the world’s finest illustrators, presented with a foreword from one of the shining stars of children’s literature, Michael Rosen.

Brian Wildsmith’s breathtaking animal paintings are accompanied by new lyrical text, inviting readers to pause a while and linger over the glorious wild animals, birds, and fishes within.

Whether already a fan of Brian Wildsmith, or discovering his work for the first time, readers will cherish this book for a lifetime.

Publisher Review

"Wildsmiths' animal kingdom is so full of life; his tiger really stalks, his seahorses really bob, his flying fish really soar, his lion let's out the mightiest of roars... Wildsmith's enchantingly vivid depictions of the animal kingdom, big and small, are forever irresistible." * Yuval Zommer, Children's Author and Illustrator * "This book is a call for us all to whoop and howl for the wild... His art is joyous, bursting with skilful spontaneity, expressive vibrant colour, texture and pattern, and layered with sensitivity, soul and love." * Cathy Fisher, illustrator of The Panda's Child * "What a joy to see Brian Wildsmith's colourful, expressive and painterly illustrations brought together in Paws, Claws, Tails and Roars." * Jonathan Emmerson, illustrator of Above, Below and Long Ago * "Beautiful in all particulars, and just as relevant as The Lost Words - It deserves to be as widely celebrated! What a gorgeous tribute to Brian." * James Mayhew, author and illustrator of the Katie series and the Ella Bella series * "Wildsmith's signature vivid colour palette springs off the pages; each textured brushstroke and paint splatter is faithfully reproduced... every spread is a tour de force. This book is bound to bring the mastery of Brian Wildsmith to a new generation of aspiring artists and animal lovers alike." * Emily Sutton, artist and illustrator * "There is a glory in the mess and splash of paint, of brush marks and scratches, dabbings and accidental splatterings. There is sensuous pleasure too in the quality of the design and structure of the book - glorious gold edged pages and a fine textured cover. The images presented for us here are still as startling as the glimpse of a tiger in the trees, or a kingfisher swooping along a river. I am so happy that another generation of children gets to immerse themselves in this joyful work!" * Jane Ray, author and illustrator of The Story Collector series * "Exuberant colour, layers of texture and pattern, along with an abundance of energy leaps off the page in this wondrous collection" * Jo Empson, author and illustrator of Rabbityness * "Paws Claws Tails and Roars is a glorious book - a celebration of the late Brian Wildsmith, whose contribution to modern book illustration, indeed art as a whole, is as forceful now as it was during his lifetime. Brian broke the mould, and this beautifully produced book by OUP, with artwork digitally re-mastered by his son Simon, is a testament to his talent. Simple, elegant with humour and sophistication Paws Claws Tails and Roars celebrates our fragile natural world on land, sea and air. The thoughtful and pertinent introduction by former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen leads us into a sumptuous banquet of colour and design..." * John Huddy, founder of Illustrationcupboard * "Renowned artist Wildsmith celebrates wild animals in this lavish gift title..." * Charlotte Eyre, The Bookseller * "Each illustration is so richly detailed and evocative that readers, young and old, will want to pause a while and linger over the glorious wild animals, birds, and fishes that fill the pages. With a foreword by author Michael Rosen, this enchanting book will be loved by readers who are already fans of Wildmsith... and a whole new generation of children." * Pam Norfolk, Lancashire Post * "This is a book I'd like to see in every classroom from the foundation stage upwards as well as on family bookshelves. And, what a wonderful present it would make." * Jill Bennett, Red Reading Hub *