November 2020, Graffeg Limited, 48 pages, Hardback, Review copy
Book summary from Graffeg
The first in a series of four titles based on the seasons, nature and folklore, The Lightbringers is a story of hope centring on the notion that the light will always return, even in the darkest of days.
The midwinter solstice provides the focal point for a journey by the little creatures as they seek to return light to earth, but it is a journey that evokes the traditions of the Mari Lwyd walking the villages of Wales and Wassail songs being sung in the orchards. Made up of two key parts, this book contains the story of The Lightbringers and a brief introduction to the myth and legend surrounding the season and festivals of midwinter.
Nayu's thoughts
What intrigued me the most was the fact Karin uses a crafting technique called felting to create all the characters photographed. Felting involves using a needle and I think yarn to create this unique fuzzy effect. Felting isn't something I've tried or wanted to try, but I admire the skill involved as it isn't an easy one to master. The effort going into each piece is signifcant. Unfortunately, somehow I found most of the characters creepy looking, which did diminish my enjoyment of the story which tells of winter and how spring slowly returns in a tradition called Mari Lwyd (Grey Mary) procession which is explained at the end of the tail.
I could see the compilation of objects, using the felted creatures alongside natural components is really good, I just didn't like most of the pictures (sorry!). The story itself is engaging and creates an atmosphere of everything almost dead in winter then slowly coming to life as the lights are carried along by the animals. It just wasn't for me.
Suggested read
Other nature themed books include National Trust: Up and Down, A Walk in the Countryside by Rosalind Beardshaw (Children's, Picture book, Board book, 10E/10E)
No comments:
Post a Comment