Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 04/01/2020 This beautifully illustrated book showcases the vivid portrayals of animals by Brian Wildsmith (1930–2016), an English painter and illustrator best known for the arresting images in his picture books, which often feature animals in the wild. First published in England in 2008, this book introduces the collective nouns for various animals, such as “a pandemonium of parrots” or “a hover of trout.” Each phrase provides the only text for a single- or double-page illustration portraying a group of the animals named. Created with colored pencil, chalk, watercolor, and gouache, the artwork combines strong composition and forms with delicate lines and a use of color that varies from riotous to restrained. Wildsmith's fans may recognize some of the images from his early books, such as the vibrant illustrations for “a pride of lions,” “a leap of leopards,” and “a skulk of foxes,” which first appeared in his Wild Animals (1967). Their inclusion is this large-format picture book gives a new generation access to the artist's work, which is as powerful, fresh, and distinctive as ever. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.