The Cat and the Fiddle: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes are often the first poetry we hear, subsequently embedded deep within our memories and carry their own mysteriousness. This strangeness and beauty is evoked by Jackie Morris’s illustrations in this new collection encompassing familiar and almost forgotten rhymes.

Each spread draws you into a different world, from sweeping landscapes to miniature scenes. Compositionally echoing medieval paintings, the foregrounds are exquisitely depicted and composed and far in the distance lie intriguing, tantalising details. ‘Pop Goes the Weasel’ is shown in close-up, on a kitchen counter; ‘Ride a Cock-Horse’ presents an exotic cavalcade journeying across a snow-bound expanse.

The bold, earthy colour palate and close observation of the human and natural world make this a striking collection to be treasured – and remembered.