The Cat and the Fiddle: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes - Tapa dura

Far more than just another nursery rhyme book, this sumptuous volume is one to pore over, cherish, and return to again and again. There is much to discover in the arresting pictures, and I anticipate this lovely book will become a classroom essential.

A glorious explosion of subtle colour and exquisite detail.

Closely observed and sensuous portrayals of beasts of all kinds, from flies to unicorns, are conjured in a magical world, part New Age and part faerie (definitely not fairy). Here languid ladies with flowing hair and flowing gowns ride or lead animals through mystic landscapes, sometimes Renaissance Italian, sometimes English gothic, sometimes Celtic. It's a potent mix of cultural associations realising, above all, the other-worldliness of the rhymes.

An enchanting collection that oozes tranquility and calm through words and pictures that literally touch your soul.

The latest in a line of beautifully produced anthologies stretching back to the days of Kate Greenaway.

An instant classic that will give pleasure for years and generations to come.

The rhythms of the words combined with the enchanting, sometimes mystical illustrations are sure to hold the attention of parents and children alike.

'So beautiful that it seems impossible paper and card could contain so much magic.'

With over 40 traditional nursery rhymes, personally chosen by the illustrator and laid out in colour-drenched double spreads. this is a beautiful, painterly collection of rhymes that has the makings of a classic.
Included are familiar favourites such as: Hickory Dickory Dock, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Lavender's Blue, Ride a Cock Horse, Pop Goes the Weasel, To market, To market. And then there are some unusual rhymes to discover, such as Jumping Joan, Gray Goose and Gander, and Hark, Hark, the Dogs Do Bark.
The pictures contain lots of detail to pore over, with strong decorative elements and a fine sense of colour and design. The perfect book to share, not only with a baby, but with the whole family.