The two-page, sideways spreads were particularly stunning and I loved how they showed the depth of the ocean alongside the depths of the story. This book is beautifully crafted and the accompanying illustrations by James Mayhew create such a wonderful level of colourful vibrancy that you really need to pause on each page for a moment after reading, just to enjoy the artwork. Luckily for me, I had arrived at school extra early and I had time to reread Nen again and again – although I must admit I might have spilled pastry crumbs on some pages as I excitedly scanned through. I was angry at times, seeing real-world struggles interwoven in and amongst true love and care, yet I smiled from ear to ear when love was allowed to flourish and I was left with a full heart and a feeling of hopefulness.
Needless to say, my worries were completely misplaced: I put my snorkel on and dived into the pages filled with colour and heart and I loved every moment. I hunkered down on the sofa in my reading area with some pastries, crossed my fingers – which is tricky with a croissant in hand – and cracked open the book… When Nen turned up in my pigeon hole at school, I ripped the packaging open and ran up the 8 (yes, 8!) flights of stairs to my classroom. I really wanted to, but what if I wasn’t keen on the book?! I know both Ian and James are wonderfully talented and kind, however it’s always a risk saying yes to something you have yet to read.
Back in April, Ian asked if I would like to be part of the book launch blog tour and, to be honest, I was a little bit worried. I came across Ian and James on Twitter via the #Edutwitter and #BookTwitter circles, within which there seems to be much of an overlap. So here goes: my first blogged book review and my first blog tour…and on my birthday no less – what a treat!
0 kommentar(er)
