Hardback | 120 pages | 210 x 148mm
Publication August 2020 | ISBN 9781912654987
This is a new, compact A5 edition of Jackie Morris's collection of short stories, The Quiet Music of Gently Falling Snow.
“The words of this book tell only a small part of what can be found in the images; a harbour in which to rest, a catalyst for the imagination.” Jackie Morris
A collection of twelve illustrated folk tales, or lullabies for grown-ups, set in a distant world of music, snow and magic. The stories are based around a series of musically-themed illustrations first created by Jackie for Help Musicians UK.
Foreword by Jon Boden.
The Quiet Music of Gently Falling Snow was nominated for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2018.
Reviews:
‘…this beautiful large hardback is an ideal gift for any Jackie Morris fan, and will appeal to adults and children alike.’ BookTrust
‘Whilst the style will be especially inviting to folk-tale, fantasy and musical enthusiasts within these pages are complex delights and joys for all.’ Chris Jones, The School Librarian
‘A tantalising glimpse into an enigmatic, free-flowing world with music at its heart… Music, painting and words have long been close acquaintances, but in The Quiet Music of Gently Falling Snow Morris has discovered a way of bringing the three art forms together in a truly organic, intuitive amalgam.’ Jon Boden
‘…absolutely and completely enchanting. The moment I laid eyes on The Quiet Music of Gently Falling Snow I knew I had fallen in love, I hugged the book before even opening the pages. I felt like a child again, it’s beautifully sized, it’s big, the cover stunning, it just invites you to pick it up. …The illustrations speak so eloquently and beautifully they brought a tear to my eye and goose bumps magically appeared on my arms. This is a book where you just sink into the pages, drift away on the words, and it feels like a half-remembered dream. I whole heartedly recommend ‘The Quiet Music of Gently Falling Snow’, it would make a perfect gift (even for yourself), and is a fairy tale delight of a read.’ Lovereading
‘The accompanying evocative tales tell stories of love, longing and forgiveness, of kings and their courts, and of the beauty, ugliness and cruelty of the world. Yet they leave the reader smiling and daydreaming about what happens next to the young lovers, musicians and numerous animals as they share music, wisdom and life with one another […] a delightful blend suitable for children and adults.’ Lee E Cart, Shelf Awareness for Readers
‘Music, snow, and well-dressed fairies figure prominently in the dozen sumptuous paintings in this oversize volume of original tales. Morris painted the scenes, one each year, as elegant Christmas cards on commission as part of a fund-raiser for England’s Help Musicians UK charity. […] They’re dreamy and romantic, lyrical, and also elusive in recounting the arrival of unnamed folks by sea where “there had been no music heard in the land for centuries.” […] A very attractive coffee table item.’ Margaret Bush, School Library Journal, Jan 1 2018 edition