Age 9-12 | Hardback | 40 pages | 200 x 150mm
Publication November 2018 | ISBN 9781910862513
Azin and his nomadic family rely upon the Moonflowers to keep them alive. When his elders are taken ill, young Azin is left to guide the bees to these rare flowers and return with their precious honey, but he is not the only one seeking out their magic…
The fifth in a series of six illustrated folk tales for children which explore the supernatural world, inspired by ancient folk tales and a love of nature. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine.
Written by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Max Low.
One in a series of tales that explore the deeper, darker side of our connection with the natural world. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine.
Books in the Shadows & Light series:
- The White Hare
- Mother Cary's Butter Knife
- The Selkie's Mate
- Elias Martin
- Bee Boy and the Moonflowers
- The Eel Question
Reviews:
'Davies' prose perfectly captures the volatility of the natural world and human emotion, and the scale of the desert and Azin's sense of solitude within it is beautiful conveyed through Low's vivid illustrations.' Children's Books Ireland Recommended Reads 2019-20
'It is always a pleasure to see an obscure tale given a new life through adaptation and the latest offering in the Shadows and Light series is no exception. Azin, the youngest in a family of nomadic beekeepers, undertakes an arduous journey to save his family, accompanied only by his bees. It proves to be a journey of self-discovery as Azin learns about true and self-sacrifice. Low's bold, stark illustrations are a highlight, effectively converting both the arid desert environment and Azin's isolation within it.' Inis Reading Guide 2018-19
‘This unusual, mythic-feeling story is one of a series of tales from Welsh publisher Graffeg that explore the deeper and sometimes darker side of our connection with the natural world. Asin’s journey is reminiscent of many fairy tales where a child journeys into a dangerous environment in search for a magical cure for his or family, and the imagery of the harsh yet magical mountains is full of resonance.’ BookTrust
'These stories ask as many questions as they answer and highlight the strong ties that exist between nature and mankind; they beg us to seek a little deeper. Thought-provoking, haunting and swimming with the diverse beauty of the natural world.' Mary Esther Judy, Fallen Star Stories
'A children's book to watch out for' Nicolette Jones, Sunday Times