"I may have wanted A First Book of Animals because of Petr Horacek's illustrations, but I will be looking out for other books from Nicola Davies, because her writing is beautiful. [...] this is one that will stay on our bookshelf for a long time to come." * Diaryofafirstchild.com * "An exquisitely written and illustrated book [...] This is a magical book - quite extraordinary in its lyrical language - and although non-fiction, it reads like a fantastical story of animals lives. Nicola Davies has a gist for creating original descriptions in both prose and poetry, which allow the reader to draw perfect visual pictures in their minds, whilst at the same time informing and educating with the idiosyncrasies of each creature's habits and habitat. I was enthralled, and confess to learning a huge number of facts which had me gripped and page turning. The illustrations by Petr Horacek are equally magical. The colour palette vibrant and exciting. The drawings are skilfully detailed enough without being too technical. [...] it is exciting, engaging and different." * The School Librarian *