It is my delight to be taking part in the blog tour for this breath-taking picture book, Deep by Stephen Hogton. I am quite excited about this tour as not only is it a beautiful picture book but today, Thursday 3rd August 2023, is launch day.

Stephen Hogtun is an author/illustrator who lives on the west coast of sunny Norway with his partner, two children and several rescue animals in an old house overlooking a lovely fjord. His house sits on the edge of a beautiful fjord, and his artwork is inspired both by the love he feels for his family and the views he sees from his window.

This is his second picture book for Bloomsbury, following his acclaimed debut, Leaves. Both picture books cover serious topics in a very gentle, child-friendly way and feature visually stunning illustrations.

Deep encapsulates a mother’s love for her child. When a tiny whale calf is born, his mother raises him to the surface to take his first breath. She guides him as he grows, until he is strong enough to swim at her side, and they set off together on a great journey across the oceans.

One day, the time will come for the grown calf to set out on his own . . . but wherever he goes and whatever he does, his mother will be waiting for him and sending her song of love across the oceans. Filled with beautiful, luminous artwork, this stunning picture book tells a universal story about love and family that’s perfect for readers young and old.

My stop on the tour will take the form of a book review.

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Title: Deep

Written and Illustrated by: Stephen Hogton

Published by: Bloomsbury

A story of love through the generations. Deep portrays how the mother whale guides, protects and teaches her young calf about the ocean. They travel on a long journey and back again to learn the way before she is confident her child is old enough and strong enough to fend for themselves.

This touching picture book of highlighting a mother’s love for her child is such a joy to read. I found myself reflecting back on my own children when they were younger, like leaving them on their first day at primary school and more recently as they go off to study at university. In this way this book will appeal to adults and children alike.

The illustrations are gorgeous. I love the use of colour and the way the light appears to sparkle off the sea. Absolutely mesmerising. There is a hypnotic effect created as you imagine these enormous yet elegant creatures gliding through the water. Stephen Hogton’s use of colour draws you in – from the warm still waters to the stormy choppy seas.

There are several heart-warming philosophical messages throughout the book I feel will get children thinking. A few of my favourites are:

“There is always calm is you seek it.”

“If you search, hidden beauty and truth can be found.”

“It’s not how quickly you travel but who you travel with.”

“Remember to treasure each moment because each one goes by quickly as a blink of an eye.”

Extracts from Deep by Stephen Hogton

I think teachers and carers could use some of these insights to open some very fruitful and enlightening discussions with the children.

On the whole I think Deep creates an atmosphere of calm, which leaves the reader with a feeling of safety and belonging. Young children will want to hear Deep read again and again.

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To follow the rest of the tour take a look at the schedule below:

I would like to thank Bee from Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to take part in this tour. Thank you.