Life on the Thames (Child’s Play Library)

When there is mention of the Thames River, most people think about London, but the river runs from near the West Coast of England to the Eastern shore and into the North Sea, nearly two hundred and fifty miles. As with every river, the Thames not only has a rich history but a diverse range of flora and fauna as well. This lovely book takes a journey from the origin of the Thames in the Gloucestershire village of Kembrle to its exit into the sea.

Readers are introduced to ducks, moorhens, coots, otters, snakes, water voles, wagtails, kingfishers, fish, insects, bats, and more, as well as some of the plant life along the river. Besides this, the author looks at things like the narrow boats that travel the river, the locks that help them move through, the mudlarks who search for treasure along the river in London when the tides are low, and the salt marshes and mudflats farther along.

There is a lot of text for a picture book. The writing is conversational and inviting. The real star of the book is the gorgeous watercolor illustrations on every page. This will be enjoyed by children, but adults will enjoy it as well.