Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

A powerful homage to the natural world, from England by way of Canada.Combining poetic words (somewhat reminiscent of Mary Oliver's poetry in their passion for the natural world) with truly stunning illustrations, this unusually beautiful book brings to readers the magic and wonder of nature. This is not a book about ecology or habitat; this is a book that encourages readers to revel in, and connect with, the natural world. Focusing on a particular subject, whether it be animal, insect, or plant, each poem (rendered in a variety of forms) delivers a "spell" that can be playful, poignant, or entreating. They are most effective when read aloud (as readers are encouraged to do in the introduction). Gorgeous illustrations accompany the words, both as stand-alone double-page spreads and as spot and full-page illustrations. Each remarkable image exhibits a perfect mastery of design, lively line, and watercolor technique while the sophisticated palette of warms and cools both soothes and surprises. This intense interweaving of words and pictures creates a sense of immersion and interaction-and a sense that the natural world is part of us. A glossary encourages readers to find each named species in the illustrations throughout the book­––and to go one step further and bring the book outside, to find the actual subjects in nature. Very much in the spirit of the duo's magisterial The Lost Words (2018), this companion is significantly smaller than its sprawling companion; at just 6.5 by 4.5 inches when closed, it will easily fit into a backpack or generously sized pocket. "Wonder is needed now more than ever," Macfarlane writes in the introduction, and this book delivers it. Breathtakingly magical. (Poetry. 6-adult)

School Library Journal Starred Review (Tue Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2020)

Gr 6 Up-A collaborative work of compelling words and stunning images that illuminate the wonder of nature. "Spells" is an accurate depiction of this title, as the poetry and soft colors of the illustrations weave magic over readers and transport them into the woods. From moths emerging from the darkness to owls swooping upon prey, the action of flight is a repeated theme and emphasizes how freedom can be found through language and art. Macfarlane and Morris provide a truly enchanting meeting of kindred spirits. Readers are challenged to seek out adventure in nature and find a way to share it with others. VERDICT This is poetry for those who claim not to like poetry. Highly recommended for any library, and as a gift for all lovers of language and art. Elizabeth Speer, Weatherford Coll., TX

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

A powerful homage to the natural world, from England by way of Canada.Combining poetic words (somewhat reminiscent of Mary Oliver's poetry in their passion for the natural world) with truly stunning illustrations, this unusually beautiful book brings to readers the magic and wonder of nature. This is not a book about ecology or habitat; this is a book that encourages readers to revel in, and connect with, the natural world. Focusing on a particular subject, whether it be animal, insect, or plant, each poem (rendered in a variety of forms) delivers a "spell" that can be playful, poignant, or entreating. They are most effective when read aloud (as readers are encouraged to do in the introduction). Gorgeous illustrations accompany the words, both as stand-alone double-page spreads and as spot and full-page illustrations. Each remarkable image exhibits a perfect mastery of design, lively line, and watercolor technique while the sophisticated palette of warms and cools both soothes and surprises. This intense interweaving of words and pictures creates a sense of immersion and interaction-and a sense that the natural world is part of us. A glossary encourages readers to find each named species in the illustrations throughout the book­––and to go one step further and bring the book outside, to find the actual subjects in nature. Very much in the spirit of the duo's magisterial The Lost Words (2018), this companion is significantly smaller than its sprawling companion; at just 6.5 by 4.5 inches when closed, it will easily fit into a backpack or generously sized pocket. "Wonder is needed now more than ever," Macfarlane writes in the introduction, and this book delivers it. Breathtakingly magical. (Poetry. 6-adult)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Macfarlane and Morris reunite to conjure the wonder of goldfinches and gorse, foxes and snow hares in this second volume of illustrated poems designed to spark a deeper love and appreciation for the natural world. But where their The Lost Words exhilarated, with its defiant reclamation of discarded dictionary words, this collection-s songs both describe and lament, swerving between ecstatic highs and plangent notes of sorrow: -Loss is the tune of our age, hard to miss and hard to bear.... But there has always been singing in dark times-and wonder is needed now more than ever.- Macfarlane-s lyrics-often, though not always, structured as acrostics-ring with consonance (-Thrift thrives where most life fails, falls,/ is cast adrift-) and wordplay (-Woodpecker, tree-wrecker-) to limn 21 ordinary wonders of the British countryside, many of which are also common North American species. Morris-s fluid artwork renders the elegant tilt of a fox-s snout, birds- calligraphic flight patterns, and the eyelike whorls of silver birch bark. The glossary--at once a puzzle and a key--identifies each species depicted, turning poetry to practicality and allowing this petite volume to do double-duty as an artful field guide. One to treasure. All ages. (Oct.)