Slow Down Now
Be Amazed by the Tiniest Things

Slow Down Now

Bestselling author Laura Brand and illustrator Laura Brand's Slow Down and Be Here Now invites you to enjoy the present moment with everyday nature that makes you stop, watch, and be amazed by the tiniest things. Twenty stories with beautiful full-color illustrations inspire children to slow down and take a look at the world around them. Zoom in to observe a hummingbird drinking nectar or a pea shoot appear. Delight in a little snail as he comes come out to drink. Charming text paired with real science invite you to observe nature up close. Let it stop you in your tracks, so that you can truly find joy in the present moment. Each story features a tiny nature moment to treasure, with facts and figures on animals, plants, weather, and more, making this the perfect book for young nature lovers.

The illustrations in "Slow Down and Be Here Now," created by Laura Brand, are unique due to their ability to capture the intricate details and magical moments of nature. These illustrations are described as colorful and enchanting, helping to bring the stories to life by visually representing the natural events described in the book. The illustrations are designed to engage young readers by providing a close-up view of nature, allowing them to see the beauty and complexity of everyday occurrences like a hummingbird drinking nectar or a caterpillar creating a leaf tent.

The book's illustrations are complemented by a sumptuous gold foil cover, adding to its visual appeal. This artistic approach not only enhances the storytelling but also encourages mindfulness by inviting readers to pause and appreciate the small wonders of the natural world.

Author: Laura Brand

Freya is a UK-based illustrator specializing in children's books. She is known for her work on "Slow Down and Be Here Now," where her illustrations bring the natural world to life with vibrant and detailed depictions. Freya lives in Bristol with her partner and their ancient black cat, Katsu. She works from a cosy, cluttered desk in a shared studio nearby. Freya graduated with first-class honours in BA Illustration from Falmouth University in 2014 and has since become recognized for her enchanting and intricate illustrations that captivate young audiences.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Magic Cat Publishing
  • Format: Paperback
  • Print length: 64 pages
  • Dimensions: 24 x 0.7 x 30 cm
  • Reading age: 6+ years old
  • Publication date: 29 Sept. 2022
  • ISBN: 978-1913520656

Read alongside these topics:

How does the book "Slow Down Now" fit into a year one science topic of "Plants Around Us"?

Author: Laura Brand

The book Slow Down Now aligns well with the Year One science topic of "Plants Around Us" by fostering an appreciation for nature and encouraging observation of the environment.

Connection to "Plants Around Us"

  1. Mindfulness and Observation: The book emphasizes slowing down to observe the natural world, which is crucial for understanding plant life. It invites children to notice details in their surroundings, such as the growth patterns of plants, seasonal changes, and interactions within ecosystems. This aligns with the scientific practice of observation, which is foundational in studying plants.
  2. Illustrated Nature Moments: Each of the 50 moments presented in the book showcases different aspects of nature, including plants. The illustrations and descriptions encourage children to explore these moments outdoors, reinforcing their learning about local flora and the importance of plants in our ecosystem.
  3. Encouraging Exploration: The book not only provides stories but also encourages children to go outside and explore what they observe. This hands-on approach helps solidify their understanding of plant biology and ecology by connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world experiences.
  4. Integration into Curriculum: The book can be integrated into a broader curriculum focused on nature studies, where lessons on plant biology can be complemented by readings from Slow Down. This thematic approach enhances engagement and retention of scientific concepts related to plants.

In summary, Slow Down serves as an effective educational tool for teaching young learners about plants by promoting mindfulness, detailed observation, and active exploration of their natural surroundings.

Discover Hands-On Education