A superb treat
Wlliam Plomer and Alan Aldridge are a formidable duo when it comes to presenting verse (Plomer) accompanied by colour illustrations (Aldridge) revolving round themes that capture the imagination of their audience, whatever their age.
In this book, first published in 1973, the first few lines of the book give a glimpse of what follows:
"As night turns to dimness and draws back its curtain,
Stars, those bright sequins, now all disappear,
As dimness grows radiant, dawn makes it certain
That butterfly weather, quite perfect is here;"
We are ready for the Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast!
The story, told in enchanting verse, and the exquisite illustrations make this book a joy to read and the illustrations are a feast for all lovers of fairy tales and fables. It is a book to keep or to give as a gift to anyone with similar tastes.
The nature notes by Richard Fitter at the end of the book are an added bonus, as they give the reader useful information about the fascinating 'characters' in the verses and illustrations. A few examples: Death's-Head Hawk-Moth, Water-Measurer, Money Spider, Stag Beetle, Long-Eared Bat. There are many more.
