They weren’t happy that these wonderful words (and the things they represent), had been marginalised in a misguided move by a mainstream publication. The acclaimed best-selling author Robert Macfarlane teamed up with the talented illustrator and writer, Jackie Morris, to draw attention to the incomprehensible actions of the Children’s Oxford English Dictionary. Words like fern, kingfisher and bluebell were discarded and ditched in order to make room for technological terms like blog, chatroom and database. In 2007 the Children’s Oxford English Dictionary removed several words pertaining to the natural world. This book is something special, it’s absolutely magical… Not just with her, but also with me and her older, harder-to-please pre-teen sister. When I purchased The Lost Words for my youngest daughter as a Christmas present I honestly didn’t expect it to be such a hit. They disappeared so quietly that at first almost no one noticed – fading away like water on stone.” ~ Robert Macfarlane (The Lost Words) The Lost Words It already feels like a true classic.“Once upon a time, words began to vanish from the language of children. 'A book about spells that succeeds in being spell-binding in its own right.

An amulet in dark times, to be carried like a talisman out into the world, where it is very much needed' Dara McAnulty

Written to be read aloud, painted in brushstrokes that call to the forest, field, riverbank and also to the heart, The Lost Spells summons back what is often lost from sight and care, teaching the names of everyday species, and inspiring its readers to attention, love and care. Moving, joyful and funny, The Lost Spells above all celebrates a sense of wonder, bearing witness to nature's power to amaze, console and bring joy.

Kindred in spirit to The Lost Words but fresh in its form, The Lost Spells introduces a beautiful new set of natural spell-poems and artwork by beloved creative duo Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris.Įach 'spell' conjures an animal, bird, tree or flower - from Barn Owl to Red Fox, Grey Seal to Silver Birch, Jay to Jackdaw - with which we share our lives and landscapes. This pocket-sized treasure is the perfect gift for fans of nature, language and rich artwork, adult and child alike!

The lost words jackie morris