World of Colour

By Jess Racklyeft

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Jess is a versatile illustrator who has worked with many writers including Claire Saxby (Tree, Whisper on the Wind, Iceberg) to create outstanding picture books, as well as carving out a name for herself as a sole creator (There’s Only One Dad Like You), and more.

In World of Colour she is inspired by the earth which has created so much diversity over time that life has exploded in size, shape …and colour.  She says: As an artist looking at colour is one of my favourite ways to enjoy nature. This book is a wonderful way to explore nature’s incredible richness and diversity of form in landscape, animals and plants. Colour is everywhere.

We start with red and pink looking at Lake Natron in Tanzania followed by two glorious spreads of creatures and features from all over the world in those colours. My favourite here has to be the rare and elusive pink fairy armadillo, an impressive 15 cm long although the headless chicken monster is a close second. Next are pages devoted to orange and brown, yellow, green, blue, purple, finishing with black, white and grey, each with spectacular colourful illustrations that engage and attract the young reader.

Each section focuses on unusual creatures although some entries are familiar – blue whale, wysteria, plains zebra, and arctic fox to name a few. Each entry has its common name, scientific name,  where it lives and a short paragraph of description; making this book a useful and attractive introduction to the natural world. In her Author’s note Jess explains why the conservation status of some plants and animals is mentioned and she encourages the reader to care for the environment, listing some recommended organisations to explore further.

A book that combines beauty and information in equal measure making it a feast for the eyes and mind, and a must for the school or home library.

Affirm Kids 2025

Jess Racklyeft