Winter's Child by Angela McAllister, illustrated by Graheme Baker-Smith

Title: Winter’s Child

Author: Angela McAllister

Illustrator: Grahame Baker-Smith

ISBN: 978 184 877 5459

Publisher: Templar

Published: 1^st October 2013

RRP: £12.99

Rating: 5/5

The cover on Winter’s Child gives you an insight into just how much detail has gone into the book and its illustrations.  We absolutely loved FArTHER which was also illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith.

I really wish you could bottle the reactions which were visible on our youngest's face as he turned each page in anticipation of the next magical delight.  Our youngest was in awe of the illustrations in this book.  The quality and detail of the illustrations had him exclaiming in delight before he’d started to read…which also had him more involved in the story as this visual feast continued.

As an adult watching my child reading this out loud to me – it was the first time he’d shown excitement to this level in reading and it’s lovely to see and I hope this encourages him to keep on reading as he does struggle as times.  The only downside (which is why this missed out on a merit rating) is because on one page although the colours used are absolutely gorgeous and do convey the night time scene in which it takes place, I found it difficult to see the black lettering on the blue background, which is a shame, and the only point at which I had difficulty at the book – this didn’t stop our youngest though, so maybe it was just my tired old eyes!!

Overall I highly recommend this book.  It would make a superb gift.  It is about a child who matures through the season whilst still playing but doing his best for his elderly Nana.  It tells of friendships and hardships.  On a visual level the illustrations will take your breath away.  They really must be seen.  So much work must have gone into each and every page.  The typescript used at the beginning of each part is eye catching.  This is a book that would be cherished and poured over time after time, and earns it place alongside FaRTHER as a timeless book for the beautiful illustrations and story.

Source: A copy of Winter's Child was recieved in return for an honest review.