Paws, Claws, Tails, & Roars: Brian Wildsmith’s Animal Kingdom

By Brian Wildsmith

Foreward by Michael Rosen

ISBN 9780192784216

Hardback

For anyone growing up in the seventies and eighties, Brian Wildsmith’s bold and strikingly colourful illustrations are likely to be an early memory. Any parent at that time will surely remember them too.  In this sumptuous hardback, his unique vision of the Animal Kingdom, taken from many books, is collected for the first time.  Every page offers so much to dwell on and observe; each species being celebrated with images that are – as Michael Rosen says in his Foreword – “Arresting, suggestive, witty and full of feeling”.  Rosen goes on to reflect on the emotional connection with the planet the images invite, making this a timely book, reminding us of the importance of the variety of animals, birds and fishes, many of whom face uncertain futures.  This will make a stunning gift for anyone familiar with Wildsmith’s genius, or to inspire a new generation of followers.