In an era where the digital frequently overpowers the tactile, it is a rare gift to encounter a book that reconnects us with the whispers of the natural world. “The Lost Words” by Robert Macfarlane, famed for his writings on landscapes and memory, such as in “Landmarks”, and Jackie Morris, a revered artist and storyteller, does just this. It is not merely a book, but a gateway to enchantment and advocacy for nature’s overlooked wonders.

At the core of “The Lost Words” is a poignant response to a troubling symptom of modernity: the disappearance of nature-based vocabulary from the Oxford Junior Dictionary. Words like “acorn,” “bluebell,” and “heron” have been edged out by terms like “blog” and “broadband.” This culling reflects a larger, disturbing disconnection between children and the natural environments that surround them. Macfarlane and Morris use their combined literary and artistic talents to address this disquieting shift.

The format of the book is both unique and compelling. Each of the twenty nature words—selected from those excised from the dictionary—is celebrated through a triptych of engaging elements. A corresponding acrostic “spell” poem by Macfarlane, aimed at conjuring the essence and spirit of the word, is paired beautifully with Morris’s rich and evocative illustrations that dance across the pages. The artwork not merely complements the text but elevates it, inviting readers, young and old alike, to linger in the visual landscapes created on each page.

Macfarlane’s poems do more than just spotlight these “lost” words; they breathe life into them, coaxing them back into the lexicon and consciousness of society. His use of rhythm, sound, and unadorned language makes the poetry accessible, yet deeply resonant. Meanwhile, Morris’s illustrations serve as a visual feast that captures the imagination and the heart, making the flora and fauna nearly leap from the page.

“The Lost Words” stands as a testament to the power of language and art to inform and transform. It is both a celebration and a call to arms—a book that not only seeks to revive the fallen words of nature but also aims to rekindle a fundamental, often lost, connection with the natural world.

As a piece of art, this book transcends conventional genres and becomes a vital piece of ecological advocacy through poetic and artistic expression. “The Lost Words” is an essential read that reminds us of the beauty and necessity of nature in our lives and the crucial role that language plays in that recognition.

This book is recommended not only for children and educators but for anyone interested in the intersections of language, art, and environmental awareness. “The Lost Words” is a graceful, powerful response to a rapidly changing world, offering hope and a path toward re-wilding not just childhoods, but our adults lives too.