Waiting For High Tide by Nikki McClure (Abrams Young Readers)

This most delicately illustrated book highlights the relationship of a young boy and his affinity with nature.

As he waits impatiently on the beach for high tide with his family, together they build a raft.

In between the chopping and building, the boy is thoroughly immersed in nature’s finest display, spotting squawking gulls and seaweeds that pop.

He is totally absorbed and in tune with the environment around him and the way in which Nikki McClure writes makes you feel as though you are right there, on the beach with the boy.

A brief rest for lunch provides a new backdrop to the story. With the ensuing high tide comes predators and cawing gulls. All ready to feast on the gifts delivered by the deeper waters.

We feel it very necessary to highlight the intricate illustration process which McClure uses to achieve these stunning spreads.

Using a special knife, as pictured and black paper she creates the most beautiful illustrations, reminiscent of a 1950s vintage picture book. We are in awe of the painstaking detail in every page and each cut taken to create these stunning works of art.

When the raft is finished and the tide comes in, the family cast off and there the boy plunges into the salty waters.

This is a gentle story that unfurls around the boy and his family. A sympathetic tale of being at one with nature and in total harmony with your surroundings.