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Hidden Planet: An Illustrator's Love Letter to Planet Earth
Perfect for animal-lovers everywhere! A beautiful, large-format crossover book for all ages, this is the book natural-history illustrator Ben has wanted to read since he was a child.
Facts and descriptions provide insight into a curated collection of birds and animals - some endangered and some less so - told from the perspective of a detail-obsessed illustrator.
Fun to read together or independently, let the secrets of the animals on our planet come to life in vibrant detail.
'This is my love letter to Planet Earth; a celebration of her hidden species, from the bold and the beautiful to the interesting but ugly. And while not a complete list, I hope that these few give a glimpse of the outstanding diversity of nature' - Ben Rothery
Facts and descriptions provide insight into a curated collection of birds and animals - some endangered and some less so - told from the perspective of a detail-obsessed illustrator.
Fun to read together or independently, let the secrets of the animals on our planet come to life in vibrant detail.
'This is my love letter to Planet Earth; a celebration of her hidden species, from the bold and the beautiful to the interesting but ugly. And while not a complete list, I hope that these few give a glimpse of the outstanding diversity of nature' - Ben Rothery
96 pages, Hardcover
Published October 3, 2019
7 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 20, 2020
I'd seen this reviewed as a children's book, so bought it hoping to interest my five year-old. As it turns out the language is straightforward but uncompromised, well above a five year-old level, but I read it myself and have been summarising the information for her in my own words. She is completely engaged by the gems of fascinating animal knowledge and the huge, mesmerising illustrations. So am I. A book that combines scientific understatement with an infectious sense of wonder.
(If you buy online, be aware that it's a large, heavy book - you'll need space on your outsize shelf for this one.)
(If you buy online, be aware that it's a large, heavy book - you'll need space on your outsize shelf for this one.)
April 30, 2021
Absolutely stunning!!
July 18, 2021
Beautiful art and nature book about camouflage and the way various animals hide from predators. A big coffee table book for middle grade readers to adulthood. Impressive.
May 15, 2021
Hidden Planet is Ben Rothery’s second book and his passion for nature and wildlife shines through in what is a stunning read. In his introduction, Rothery explains how a love for nature from an early age and experiences in both the UK and southern Africa led to his desire to create this book. This is the book that he has always wanted to read and as he describes it, “This book is my love letter to planet Earth.” And what a beautiful love letter it is, if animals could read they would be queuing up to give thanks to Rothery be it the shake of a paw, a fluttering of a wing, a slapping of a fin, a flick of an antennae. If we can show just a fraction of Rothery’s enthusiasm and compassion towards the natural world then wildlife will continue to survive and thrive.
In Hidden Planet, Rothery invites readers to marvel at the incredible and amazing animals that we share the planet with and he does a superb job of creating awe and wonder about the natural world. Rothery’s book is an exploration of the ‘hidden’. Hidden relationships between species, hidden families and connections, hidden and unique abilities, how species stay hidden and out of sight, of animals so hidden that they are on the brink of extinction.
Every turn of a page will be met with looks of sheer amazement and the sounds of oohs and aahs as Rothery introduces courteous hermit crabs, cleverly camouflaged penguins, an incredibly fast-punching mantis shrimp, ‘motion dazzling’ zebras, a harpy eagle that looks as if it has flown in straight from the pages of Greek mythology and many others. Be surprised to learn that rhinoceroses are related to the tapir and that seals and sea lions are related to bears and weasels. Discover incredible problem-solving octopuses and clownfish that can change sex. And see those that are ‘unlike any other’ - species that are utterly unique and in desperate need of protection. In addition to meeting and learning about a whole host of animals, Rothery indulges readers in the science of commensalism, mutualism, parasitism, camouflage, evolution and dimorphism; a detailed section on birds explores colours and feathers; a food web of the Africa savannah is used to explore eco-systems.
The art is by far the stand-out, with many illustrations worthy of display in an art gallery. Everything is created in meticulous detail. Insects are exquisite - from a bumblebee clinging to a colourless flower to a stag beetle. Birds are beautiful - a reed warbler clutches an insect trapped in its beak, feathers are delicate and radiate colour. I was captivated by the Pacific hermit crab nestled beneath a bottle top for protection; the detail on the common octopus and panther chameleon, mesmerising. Big cats; lions, leopards and cheetahs are striking, powerful and elegant. A double page spread of a heard of zebras is breathtaking and what appears to be a life-sized head of a Komodo dragon is majestic. You want to reach in and gently stroke, touch and feel each and every animal.
It is incredibly hard to pry your eyes away from the illustrations, such is their beauty. But when you do, you find that the text is fact-rich and provides a wealth of information. The accessible writing-style simply explains big ideas and complex concepts.
This is a proper grown-up non-fiction book for kids and children may well have a battle to keep it out of the hands of nature-loving adults. Published as a large format coffee-table sized book and printed on thick matt paper, this is one of those books that deserves to be on display.
Regardless of age, this is an animal-lovers dream.
Recommended for 9+.
In Hidden Planet, Rothery invites readers to marvel at the incredible and amazing animals that we share the planet with and he does a superb job of creating awe and wonder about the natural world. Rothery’s book is an exploration of the ‘hidden’. Hidden relationships between species, hidden families and connections, hidden and unique abilities, how species stay hidden and out of sight, of animals so hidden that they are on the brink of extinction.
Every turn of a page will be met with looks of sheer amazement and the sounds of oohs and aahs as Rothery introduces courteous hermit crabs, cleverly camouflaged penguins, an incredibly fast-punching mantis shrimp, ‘motion dazzling’ zebras, a harpy eagle that looks as if it has flown in straight from the pages of Greek mythology and many others. Be surprised to learn that rhinoceroses are related to the tapir and that seals and sea lions are related to bears and weasels. Discover incredible problem-solving octopuses and clownfish that can change sex. And see those that are ‘unlike any other’ - species that are utterly unique and in desperate need of protection. In addition to meeting and learning about a whole host of animals, Rothery indulges readers in the science of commensalism, mutualism, parasitism, camouflage, evolution and dimorphism; a detailed section on birds explores colours and feathers; a food web of the Africa savannah is used to explore eco-systems.
The art is by far the stand-out, with many illustrations worthy of display in an art gallery. Everything is created in meticulous detail. Insects are exquisite - from a bumblebee clinging to a colourless flower to a stag beetle. Birds are beautiful - a reed warbler clutches an insect trapped in its beak, feathers are delicate and radiate colour. I was captivated by the Pacific hermit crab nestled beneath a bottle top for protection; the detail on the common octopus and panther chameleon, mesmerising. Big cats; lions, leopards and cheetahs are striking, powerful and elegant. A double page spread of a heard of zebras is breathtaking and what appears to be a life-sized head of a Komodo dragon is majestic. You want to reach in and gently stroke, touch and feel each and every animal.
It is incredibly hard to pry your eyes away from the illustrations, such is their beauty. But when you do, you find that the text is fact-rich and provides a wealth of information. The accessible writing-style simply explains big ideas and complex concepts.
This is a proper grown-up non-fiction book for kids and children may well have a battle to keep it out of the hands of nature-loving adults. Published as a large format coffee-table sized book and printed on thick matt paper, this is one of those books that deserves to be on display.
Regardless of age, this is an animal-lovers dream.
Recommended for 9+.
April 19, 2025
Hidden Planet: Secrets of the Animal Kingdom by Ben Rothery is a beautiful oversized book about animals. This book is a love letter from the author to the planet and animal kingdom. He has drawn the most exquisite illustrations and the details are honestly breathtaking. Along with beautiful illustrations he has included some very interesting facts that are quite illuminating. Did you know that the common cuckoo, despite its innocent appearance, actually tricks other birds to raise its chicks?? They “lay eggs that resemble those of the host species'' and when that baby demon cuckoo hatches, it “pushes the other eggs out of the nest so that it gets all the care and attention of its new parent!” WHAT THE HECK! Born a psychopath you guys. Cuckoos, born crazy. This, and a host of other facts and interesting tidbits, are in this beautiful book.
August 29, 2020
Een schitterend boek over dieren, de verborgen wereld (wat heel veel dingen kan betekenen, zoals talenten, eigenschappen, verbonden) en meer. Ik heb genoten van de prachtige platen (echt deze tekenaar kan tekenen, het was net alsof de dieren tot leven kwamen en soms leek het bijna op een foto, WAUW). Maar ook de informatie over verschillende dieren was erg interessant om te lezen en ik heb ook wat nieuwe dingetjes geleerd.
Er waren wel wat kleine dingetjes zoals zinnen die net een beetje vreemd liepen of opeens een andere richting opgingen.
Ik ben zo blij dat de bibliotheek hem had. Ik zou het boek zeker ook aanraden aan iedereen die van dieren houdt en mooie platen.
Er waren wel wat kleine dingetjes zoals zinnen die net een beetje vreemd liepen of opeens een andere richting opgingen.
Ik ben zo blij dat de bibliotheek hem had. Ik zou het boek zeker ook aanraden aan iedereen die van dieren houdt en mooie platen.
May 29, 2020
The most beautiful book, perfect for animal lovers of all ages. The illustrations are of course the star of the show, and Rothery's talent is truly spectacular. However, the information itself is well researched and interesting. This is really a book that I would love to add a physical copy of to my collection one day. I really simply adored it. I would also love any recommendations of other books similar to this one to satisfy my thirst for all things animal-related.
February 18, 2021
The stunningly beautiful images and the highly engaging descriptions make this a wonderful book for any young nature lover - or old nature lover, quite frankly. Often I would turn the page and gasp with admiration at the intricacies of the drawings/paintings. The details of feathers and the double spread zebra page was breathtaking. I was equally engaged by the text which was informative, interesting and just plain delightful in places. A wonderful book!
March 4, 2021
Review From Year 5 Child (age 9/10):
I really like Ben's beautiful illustrations and inspiring writing. His addictive animal book is really nice for younger children who enjoy reading, I would rate it a 4+ book. If you like penguins read about the African penguin in the book. I should hope this book gets in the #trending one day. If there has not already, this book should be an audio book. I have nothing bad to say it's a 5 star from me. No bad stars.
I really like Ben's beautiful illustrations and inspiring writing. His addictive animal book is really nice for younger children who enjoy reading, I would rate it a 4+ book. If you like penguins read about the African penguin in the book. I should hope this book gets in the #trending one day. If there has not already, this book should be an audio book. I have nothing bad to say it's a 5 star from me. No bad stars.
April 17, 2021
Stunning is the best way to describe this book. From the oversized book to the fierce, beautifully drawn lion on the cover, this book make a large impact. From there, you page through and you're treated to rare animals, features of animals and more gorgeous artwork. The details. The variety. The striking artwork. This is a work of art and for a child who loves animals an absolute must have.
January 26, 2020
When I ordered this book I didn't look at how big it was. But it's huge!
It's great because you can see all the details that went into the art pieces really well. And they are all really detailed!
The animals are all amazingly drawn, and they feel very alive on the pages.
It's great because you can see all the details that went into the art pieces really well. And they are all really detailed!
The animals are all amazingly drawn, and they feel very alive on the pages.
July 1, 2020
The illustrations are the big draw in this large-sized book. The detail is stunning. The book also features a lot of facts and trivia. It's one for younger readers to browse looking at the pictures, but older readers will also get a lot of out it.
June 18, 2021
An animal guide focusing on hidden creatures: camouflage, symbiotic relationships, family relationships, abilities, and evolution.
Incredibly illustrated. A great recommendation for animal lovers in the elementary grades (2-5).
Incredibly illustrated. A great recommendation for animal lovers in the elementary grades (2-5).
August 25, 2021
Wonderfully illustrated coffee-table size book of animals. A limited amount of text in under 100 pages make this accessible for children ages 5+, especially with the oversized detailed drawings. Adults will find it fascinating as well.
January 7, 2022
Absolutely gorgeous! Stunning drawings. Personal connections to art and animals. Lots of information about animals and how they fit in the biosphere of earth. A must-have coffee table book. A love letter to our animals and planet that supports them.
Recommended!
Recommended!
September 10, 2022
This beautiful front cover of this book reached out and grabbed me from the children's section at the library. The information is clear and specific and the illustrations are absolutely breathtaking.
October 11, 2019
Absolutely beautiful - stunning illustrations (and met Ben - he’s also lovely!)
December 10, 2019
Stunning illustrations and pithy text. It might be aimed at children, but is an essential for any child of nature. Worth 6 ⭐️ any day.
April 13, 2020
The detailed illustrations of animals make this book a work of art. I fell in love with every animal, could feel feathers and coats and saw the life in their shiny eyes. Beautiful!
June 4, 2020
Beautiful illustrations and some interesting facts.
February 28, 2021
This is gorgeous Recommended.
Q2021 book.
Q2021 book.
April 9, 2021
beautiful illustrations and good snippets of information
May 8, 2021
Beautiful illustrations, but I found the structure too loose on where topics were introduced.
July 30, 2021
A great (and huge!) picture book for naturalists of all ages. I wouldn’t call this a children’s book, though my seven year old loved it.
August 13, 2021
Gorgeous - but VERY large.
September 11, 2021
Beautifully illustrated. Wonderfully informative.
March 11, 2022
The very large, gorgeous, stunning, photo-realistic paintings of animals are the stars of this book.
May 27, 2022
I learned a lot of things I didn't know before. The pictures are beautifully done. The only downfall is that measurements are written in metric and there is not a American conversion included.
July 27, 2023
Amazing illustrations. I wish the animal info had been more informative; a lot of it just describes what the animal is. I did learn something new about hermit crabs and their shell hunting behavior.
September 25, 2023
Neat book with some information on certain animals, combined with beautiful illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews