#365 of 1001 · July 31, 2021

Connection to nature is a soothing balm, a vital component of a healthy human life. Conversely, the absence of such a link may lead to an empty daily experience, as can be glimpsed in The Hidden Jungle, a timely cautionary tale by Simon Henwood. The view from Mr. Pinn’s apartment window reveals a depressing urban clutter—not a bit of green in sight. That is, until he brings home a potted plant to brighten things up. He gently waters it and cares for it, but despite his good intentions it begins to droop and wither. Ultimately, he is obliged to bring the plant to the city garden, revealed in a series of wordless spreads to be in the center of the vast stretch of metal and stone. Finally, Mr. Pinn is left alone, as grim and morose as before. Henwood’s cheerily colorful illustrations blunt the sharp sting of his urgent message and the shock of his startlingly bleak ending. #hidden #jungle #city #window #plant #plants #garden #nature #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbooks #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookart #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks