Lore of the Land: Folklore and Wisdom from the Wild Earth - Claire Cock-Starkey

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Author: Claire Cock-Starkey

Illustrator: Samantha Dolan
Genre: Children's fiction
Rating: 4.75 stars.

An eclectic collection of folktales and folklore from around the world. Mesmerising and fascinating!

The overall content is divided into six sections based on geographical features: ‘Forests’, ‘Seas and Oceans’, ‘Mountains’, ‘Hills and Valleys’, ‘Rivers and Lakes’, and ‘Wetlands’. Each section begins with a folktale connected to that natural feature, and then has a few more pages on various ideas connected to them such as monsters, fae folk, cultural myths and legends, plants, and so on.

The research is meticulous. I, for one, never thought that legends about water bodies could be divided across three separate sections and yet be so comprehensive! The snippets are taken from varied countries and cultures, including indigenous ones. The diversity ensures that the myths and other trivia do not feel repetitive. There is a helpful glossary at the end.

Every single page has a strong essence of nature, as is clear from the sections. I loved how clear the original myths were about the importance of nature in creation and life. The illustrations are also nature-themed and so apt for the collection. Every page has a classic look to it, and the sketches feel “natural” in both its meanings. The detailing on the individual elements of the art is outstanding.

The only reasons I am not going with the full five stars is that I would have loved a few more folktales to be a part of the collection.

If you have/know an imaginative young one who loves nature as well as folktales, this would make for the perfect gift. Strongly recommended. The official target readership for this book is ages 6 to 12, Grades 1 to 7.

My thanks to Wide Eyed Editions, Quarto Group, and Edelweiss+ for the DRC of “Lore of the Land: Folklore and Wisdom from the Wild Earth”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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