The Birdwatchers

Beautifully illustrated and written, this picture book is simply delightful. ‘Birds are amazing,’ says Grandad. ‘When I go birdwatching, things happen,’ he says. Sometimes the birds draw Grandad while he is drawing them. Sometimes birds help him find their names in his bird book. Once they recorded the dawn chorus. His granddaughter Jess isn’t sure so she decides to go birdwatching with Grandad to see for herself.

Through his muted line and colour wash scenes, with gently comical characters not dissimilar in style to that of Quentin Blake, James captures perfectly the special, warm relationship he wishes to portray between a little girl and her grandfather as they explore the great outdoors.  The final spread is wonderful, but I won’t spoil the surprise by revealing its content here. Discover for yourself.