Elise Hurst

Get ready to enter a world of imagination and let those dreams fly because these pages will take you on a journey not easily left behind.

These pages hold sheer delight for fantasy fans' eyes. The scenes take different directions with each turn of the page, inviting to new stories and possibilities each time. All hold a touch of fantasy. Some twist familiar moments with a tinge of wonder, while others open up with places that only exist in tales. There are short poems sprinkled in between, show more only a few here and there, which seem to unlock a new door of thought, each time. These are short, pointed, and only appear every now and then to let the illustrations remain the main theme throughout.

The artist uses lighter colors, many careful strokes, and whimsical details to let the eyes sink into each moment. The creativity blossoms and blooms as every flip of the page opens up to a new world. It's hard not to stop and gaze at each one as individual tales come to life. Many hold animal figures with human-like attributes but not in the cutesy way. Instead, there's hints of rich adventure with each one.

This book works well with almost all age groups, since it invites in with scenes which are sure to grab children and imagination-minded adults alike. Not only are the illustrations calming, but also inspiring. I could even see this used in classrooms or group settings...and by homeschoolers...to inspire writing sessions as well. I will be placing this one on my own bookshelf and have no doubt it will be pulled out again and again over the years by all sorts of hands. show less

This book took me back to many beloved British fantasy classics as soon as I saw its Victorian setting and black and white drawings.

The magical journey begins on an old-fashioned steam train as two children embark on an imaginative journey to a mysterious city where animals mingle with people and strange buildings tower over the crowds. The wind catches umbrellas, swooping the people and animals on the streets off to the next adventure and they fly through the sky on a floating fish, visit a show more library where the books come alive, and explore all the wonders of the imaginary world. The story ends with the marvelous world held in a globe and the children fast asleep on the train.

I loved the art but felt that it could easily have stood alone without the accompanying text. The words didn't add anything to the plot or the experience of the book itself and were a distraction from delving into the pictures. I don't generally care for rhyming picture books and thought the words were superfluous at best and saccharine at worst, "The past carries on/and sunlight is breathed in a murmuring song" accompanies pictures of a vaulted hall with giant sculptures, skeletons, flying fish and pterodactyls, and a mix of people from a lady wearing a kimono to a fox reading a brochure.

Verdict: Use this as a wordless book to inspire imagination in older children or for quiet readers to pore over on their own. An additional purchase, but one that will resonate with a number of readers.

ISBN: 9781101934579 ; Published October 2016 by Doubleday; F&G provided by publisher for review show less

The illustrations in this book are incredible, so incredible in fact that I don't even think the book has more than fifty words and says more than most novels. A story about imagination and the places you can go kept you wanting to see more about this "city". Turtles that fly and wind that makes you fly it was a great book for all kids, regardless of age. Anyone could appreciate this one.

This book is all about imagination and how it can take you anywhere. Elise Hurst uses beautiful black and white illustrations, along with poetic lines to take her readers to another world. This book would make such a wonderful text for introducing poetry to young readers.