Garden Jungle; Hélène Druvert

Garden Jungle is a truly beautiful book that needs to be handled with extreme care.

Bored at home, Tom’s mother suggests that he take a closer look out in the garden. Whilst making shadow animals using a sheet hanging on the washing line, Tom spots a brightly coloured butterfly and the butterfly leads him on the most incredible of adventures. Tom is an explorer and an adventurer as he wanders through the weeds, climbs up trees and swims in streams. He is surrounded by nature; birds are chirping, leaves are rustling, butterflies are fluttering and big cats are prowling. And then it it is time to go home with Tom safe in the knowledge that the next time he is bored he will have somewhere incredible to explore.

This is a wonderful book about the power of imagination and the joy that can be found in nature. Once Tom sets off into the uncharted land at the back of his garden he stumbles into the most amazing world. Weeds, grasses, plants and trees turn into a jungle and his pet cat turns into a leopard. 

The opening pages are in pastel purple, black and white before making way for beautiful colourful cut-outs of jungle scenes. Leaves, trees, plants and animals have been laser-cut and make for fabulous viewing. Dashes of fluorescent pink bring vibrant colour to each scene and I love Tom’s black silhouette. Word of caution - these cut-outs are incredibly delicate and need to be handled with care. The narrative is told in rhyming prose and makes for a great read-a-loud.

A wonderful backyard adventure. There should never be the time to be bored when there is so much out there that is still to be explored. 

Recommended for 5+.