Life on the Thames

Author and illustrator Emma Shoard takes readers on a journey along the River Thames ‘from source to sea’ in this beautiful picture book. With an emphasis on the natural world, we explore the Thames path and later the England Coast path to discover a host of wildlife, including kingfishers, swans, seals and bats. We learn about the varied habitats the river and its banks provide including the chalk hill meadows of the Goring Gap, home to orchids and dragonflies and the Thames Estuary where seals and even porpoises have been seen. The amazing life cycle of the eel is outlined and the importance of native oysters in the Thames Estuary throughout history, their decline and plans to revive the industry.

There is information about some of the boats to be seen along the river past and present including Thames barges and Oyster Smacks. We gain a glimpse of the history of the Thames including its importance for trade and the excitement of a medieval frost fair. We learn how enthusiastic mudlarks can make interesting finds as the river reveals its secrets.

Threats to the Thames and the life which depends upon it and lives near it are described including the risk of flooding and need for the Thames barrier, invasive species and pollution – in particular the way the Thames has been used throughout history as a sewer. Interesting asides such as ‘The Great Stink of 1858’ during which the smell of the river nearly shut down Parliament add detail.

The book ends with a look at the work of conservationists to restore natural habitats and make the river cleaner. There is information for young readers about what they can do to help from volunteering with a litter clean-up to putting pressure on policymakers. Readers young and old may be encouraged to explore the Thames path or their own local river and create their own wildlife diary just like the book’s creator.

A clear design and layout with a double page spread for each topic allows the text and illustration to breathe. This is a great book to browse or read cover to cover. Beautifully illustrated, the author’s passion for her subject and close observation of the natural world shines through in her artwork with wonderfully light sketches in watercolour and ink.