Singing to the Sun

This is a beautiful picture book that combines a traditionally structured but original fairy tale with rich and complex illustrations. Thorfinn is the son of a Lord who loves only power and a lady who loves only gold. Predictably, he grows up craving only love, so when the news arrives that a rich and powerful neighbouring king is offering the hand of one of his daughters, there is clearly scope for the whole family to be satisfied. Thorfinn sets off with his cat and wise Jester to enter a guessing game wherein the prize is the princess and the eventual outcome a big surprise to both the suitors and the readers.

The story is told in an elegantly poetic style with simplicity and conciseness, weaving together the themes of music, companionship, the nature of choice and the quest for love and wisdom. The text, with some modest but striking typographical flourishes, is vivid against rich cream paper.

Jackie Morris’s watercolours provide enchanting and intricate depictions of a folkloric world of intriguing figures, rich fabrics, medieval landscapes and magical animals.