Description

‘This book is a delight. It’s a vivid reminder that the world is full of little surprises, momentary little fountains of pleasure and beauty, that could be visible to all of us if we learned to stop and notice as Miranda Keeling does.’ Philip Pullman

January: A man walking along Caledonian Road falls over onto the huge roll of bubble wrap he is hugging, perhaps for just this sort of situation.

Inspired by her popular Twitter account, The Year I Stopped to Notice brings together Miranda Keeling’s observations of the magic, humour, strangeness and beauty in ordinary life. Through the changing seasons, on city streets and on buses, in parks and cafes, Miranda notices things: moments between friends, the interactions of strangers, children delighting in the world around them, the quiet melancholy of lost items on the pavement.

Accompanied by stunning watercolour illustrations from Luci Power, Miranda’s poetic vignettes take us on journeys of discovery and share with us the joy of stopping to notice.

September: On a sweltering, packed rush-hour train, my arm suddenly feels lovely and cool, and I look down to see a shopping bag held by the woman beside me – full of just-bought cartons of milk.

Publisher Review

This book is a delight ... the world is full of little surprises, momentary little fountains of pleasure and beauty, that could be visible to all of us if we learned to stop and notice as Miranda Keeling does. * Philip Pullman * An odd, beautiful book ... Buy an extra copy to give to someone you love. * Neil Gaiman * These are moments of sublime beauty and wonder in the everyday that remind me of the power of the so-called "ordinary" to be the shimmering basis of art. * Ian McMillan, writer, man about town, presenter of BBC R3's The Verb * I really love this book. Enchanting from start to finish. * Joanna Lumley * I love this book! It is beautiful, poignant, warm and funny. And the illustrations are stunning. * Victoria Derbyshire * A charming collection - warm, funny, and beautifully illustrated. -- Greg Jenner This is a fabulous book with such uplifting wee vignettes to take you to a place in your head that feels so human after us being locked away for two years. * Jane Godley * I've long enjoyed Miranda Keeling's London moments, eaves-droppings and street-life. Her book is a treasure. * Amy Liptrot, author of The Instant *