Author: Robert Macfarlane & Johnny Flynn
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa
Rating: 4/5 stars
Robert Macfarlane is a go-to author for nature writing – Under land from 2020, for example, or his upcoming Is A River Alive? in May 2025 – so I was delighted to see that he had a children’s picture book out now too. The World to Come was released in November 2024 and has a target age range of 4-8 years old. Interestingly enough, what I discovered while doing more research is that the two authors, Macfarlane and Johnny Flynn, have collaborated on multiple musical albums and that this book is actually the lyrics of one of their songs. Add in incredible illustrations by Emily Sutton and you’ve got a really unique book for kiddos.
The story begins with a father and his young son trekking through a snowy forest. All around them are animals, from a blackbird and a kingfisher to an owl and an otter. As the two continue on, we see them through different seasons of life, both literal and figurative. Whether it’s dawn or dusk, winter or summer, young age or old age, nature is always right there with them.
Because the words of the book are song lyrics, I can’t exactly imagine that young kids would fully understand what’s being said. But I do think kids would have a blast trying to spot all the animals in the illustrations, and I think the lyrical, rhythmic pacing of the words would make for a nice, calming bedtime read. Most importantly, though, I think this would be a great book for Earth Day this April. It highlights the beauty of nature, the sense of wonder in nature, the hope of nature, and invites readers of all ages to reflect on that in every season.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of The World to Come today!
