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A River

by Marc Martin

Interest age: 3 to 6
Reading age: 5+

Published by Templar, 2016

  • Picture books

About this book

A young girl gazes out of her city window until her imagination transports her into a boat on a river and she embarks on a fantastical journey downstream. As her imagination takes flight, the river transforms, carrying her through vibrant jungles, serene countryside, and stormy seas. Each turn of the page reveals intricate, hand-painted illustrations, evoking a sense of wonder and discovery.

Martin’s attention to detail is exceptional, and every spread is filled with plenty for readers to examine. There are animals hidden among foliage, fish swimming beneath the water, industrial cityscapes and much more besides. His use of watercolor adds a dreamlike quality, perfect for capturing the ebb and flow of the river’s moods.
While the story is simple, it carries a quiet depth, inviting readers to pause and reflect on the power of imagination and the beauty of the natural world. The absence of lengthy text allows the images to speak for themselves, making it a book for readers of all ages to savor.
This book would be suitable as an entry point to learning about the KS1 geography topics of local waterways and human vs. physical geographical features. It would also work well as a prompt for imaginative writing or art activities.

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