Shadows & Light Series

Azin and his nomadic family rely upon the Moonflowers to keep them alive. When his elders are taken ill, young Azin is left to guide the bees to these rare flowers and return with their precious honey, but he is not the only one seeking out their magic… The fifth in a series of six illustrated folk tales for children which explore the supernatural world, inspired by ancient folk tales and a love of nature. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine. Written by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Max Low. ‘Davies’ prose perfectly captures the volatility of the natural world and human emotion, and the scale of the desert and Azin’s sense of solitude within it is beautiful conveyed through Low’s vivid illustrations.’ Children’s Books Ireland Recommended Reads 2019-20 ‘It is always a pleasure to see an obscure tale given a new life through adaptation and the latest offering in the Shadows and Light series is no exception. Azin, the youngest i a family of nomadic beekeepers, undertakes an arduous journey to save his family, accompanied only by his bees. It proves to be a journey of self-discovery as Azin learns about true and self-sacrifice. Low’s bold, stark illustrations are a highlight, effectively converting both the arid desert environment and Azin’s isolation within it.’ Inis Reading Guide 2018-19

Bound to serve a cruel master, Nant's curiosity never fails to get her into trouble. Her dreams of a life beyond her marshland home intensify each autumn when the silver eels return, along with her questions. Where do they come from? And where do they go?_x000D_ _x000D_ The last in a series of six illustrated folk tales for children which explore the supernatural world, inspired by ancient folk tales and a love of nature. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine._x000D_ Written by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Beth Holland._x000D_ _x000D_ 'This unusual, mythic-feeling story is one of a series of tales from Welsh publisher Graffeg that explore the deeper and sometimes darker side of our connection with the natural world. Nant finds herself at the mercy of a witch hunt, and the story explores themes of ignorance and curiosity with a deft and gentle hand. As ever, Davies' love of the natural world is obvious, and her writing sings with a dark exuberance.' BookTrust_x000D_ _x000D_ 'These stories ask as many questions as they answer and highlight the strong ties that exist between nature and mankind; they beg us to seek a little deeper. Thought-provoking, haunting and swimming with the diverse beauty of the natural world.' Mary Esther Judy, Fallen Star Stories

The smallest of three brothers, Keenan Mowat had a priceless talent: he loved the sea and the sea loved him right back. In this supernatural tale, Keenan Mowat takes on the sea. Beautifully illustrated throughout. One in a series of tales that explore the deeper, darker side of our connection with the natural world. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine.

Back then, humans and animals were fellow beings under the sky. Perhaps that's why it seemed possible for humans to change into animals. A story of shapeshifting between the human and animal worlds. Ostra is tempted into marriage with Wolvas the huntsman so that she can escape a harsh life but the birds and animals that befriend her warn her against him. Beautifully illustrated throughout. One in a series of tales that explore the deeper, darker side of our connection with the natural world. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine.

Elias Martin lives a scowling, solitary life for a decade until a small, lost child wanders into his path. One in a series of tales that explore the deeper, darker side of our connection with the natural world. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine. - Elias Martin lives a lonely, isolated life in the middle of a snowy forest. Then one day he finds a strange young child sleeping in his wood store, and he soon takes the child under his wing. As with her whole Shadows and Light series, Davies is inspired by both nature and grim folklore in this tale. Shum's beautiful black-and-white illustrations perfectly complement Davies's writing, especially emphasising the starkness of the harsh landscape. A mysterious and highly engrossing read.' Inis Reading Guide 2017-18, Children's Books Ireland - A well-written, thought-provoking tale for older and reluctant readers who enjoy a touch of the supernatural.' Marie Orlando, School Library Journal

In a land where people flow between ocean and land, a seal and a fisherman sing together under a flowing moon. One in a series of tales that explore the deeper, darker side of our connection with the natural world. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine. - Lyrical text is enhanced by evocative watercolour illustrations in this heart-wrenching tale of love, loss and trust. Inspired by Selkie legends from around the world, this haunting story is part of the Shadows and Light series, ideal for mature readers who are looking for something a bit different.' BookTrust's Watery Reads for 8-12s - This is a delicate story, and in the wrong hands may be experienced as a rape and false imprisonment story. However, here is it sensitively told, with the seal woman choosing to spend time with the crofter after they have sung together under the moon. [...] The emphasis on the thoughts behind each of their actions could be used in a discussion about relationships, how people have different expectations and how far do we allow our own needs and wants to dominate relationships. The illustrations are elegant watercolours, complementing the storytelling. The stand out one for me is of two silhouette heads, placed so that they are almost heart shaped, yet looking in different directions. Pulled together by love, but their outlooks are very different.' Janet Dowling, School Library Association (65:3, Nov 2017)