We’re kicking off our reviews in 2017 with a book that contains a formidable message, told with warmth, humour and endearing emotion.
Meet Jim Hickory, he ain’t no hipster and make no mistake! Jim is a big, burly lumberjack, but one with a conscience and a big heart.
Every day, Jim chops down trees but he soon learns that his actions make many of the woodland animals homeless in the process.
Where will the animals live if he cuts down all of the trees? And more to the point, what’s he going to do about it?!
The bird no longer has a place to build his nest, the porcupine needs leaves and pine needles to make a cosy shelter and the beaver’s dam was ruined when Jim moved the tree trunks down the river.
How on earth will he be able to put this right?
Duncan Beedie‘s warm, earthy palette and intermittent panelled spreads make for a truly engaging read. His immense and utterly breathtaking landscapes, the flawless characterisation of Jim, his wood cabin and the surrounding valley, together with the over-arching message, culminate in a most powerful and salient story.
The Lumberjack’s Beard provides a light-heated yet sensitive introduction to the effects of deforestation on our wildlife. Perfect for a younger audience to help them understand the impact on our environment.
picture books blogger 
Sweet! Looks like a worthwhile storytime pick 😀 what are those goodies I see with the book in the first photo?? I look forward to seeing more reviews this year!
It’s a great intro to environmental issues. The goodies are a packet of Norwegian Spruce seeds and a scrummy biscuit 😋
What an important message.well done.duncan beedie