Our latest Book on the Bird Table is Home by Isabelle Simler, translated by Vineet Lal and published by Quarto.
Home is a beautiful book of reflective poems that look at all sorts of homes made and found in nature. From the leaf fortress of the weaver ant and the silk apartment of the Madagascan moon moth to the cactus cabin of the elf owl and the bunk bed in the branches of the Sumatran orangutan, young children can discover the fascinating ways in which over 25 of our planet’s creatures make their homes safe and secure.
Highlights include the European fan worm, which uses its home like a telescope, fanning out its long feathery lashes  that disappear inside at the slightest hint of danger, and the satin bowerbird, which creates an arched home decorated with vibrant blue items that have caught its eye.
not just a non-fiction book but a rhythmic exploration of what nature can teach us
Each animal and its home is accompanied by poetic text making this not just a non-fiction book but a rhythmic exploration of what nature can teach us. The vivid colour of the illustrations and exquisite language mean that children and their parents alike can discover amazing facts about animals’ innovative building techniques and the importance of making a house a home.
About the author:
Isabelle Simler has written and illustrated over 20 books for children. Sweet Dreamers, My Wild Cat, Plume and The Blue Hour were all featured in the Society of Illustrators “The Original Art” annual exhibition. Plume was also named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book 2017. Isabelle lives in France.
About the translator:
Vineet Lal is a literary translator of books from French to English, including A Perfect Spot and a Head Full of Birds. He studied French at Princeton University and the University of Edinburgh. Vineet lives in Scotland.
Home is aimed at children between 5-7 years old and can be bought from book stores including Amazon, Waterstones and Foyles.