Sophie Blackall has written and illustrated books that delve into the minutiae of a specific topic, such as the amazing Caldecott Medal-winner Hello Lighthouse, but she has also spread her wings with beautiful and sensitive explorations of our planet, such as If You Come to Earth. Now, with Farmhouse, she sets her attentive eye on life in a small farming community.

This picture book recreates an era long gone, yet it hums with life and the joys and tribulations of a large family. Blackall has literally pieced together the story from the remnants and ephemera salvaged from the ruins of an old house on a property she bought. She spoke with descendants of the family that had once lived in the house, as well as local farmers who knew of the area’s history. She explains some of this in a wonderful author’s note at the end of the book.

The story itself is told in lilting text which reads so well aloud, and the accompanying illustrations are in Blackall’s characteristic style: it never shouts at you but manages to be colourful and joyous, revealing small details and uncluttered landscapes. I loved this book without reservation. For ages 3+.

Alexa Dretzke is from Readings Hawthorn