To Jen, her life was a terrible bore. She wished she had more than the landscape she saw…

Jen lives alone on her solitary sand planet, until one day, a boy named Zak comes to visit. Through a little of Zak’s magic and an unusual umbrella, Jen is transported to a beautiful world, and her new friend helps her learn a valuable lesson along the way.

Jen thought her life was a terrible bore. Her home planet was bland, and had no colour. One day a boy called Zak arrived, by a magical umbrella.

Zak loved Jen’s planet. He loved that he could see how bright the stars shone, without anything blocking his view. Jen had admired Zak’s planet from afar, and wanted to see it close up.

The pair flew, by Zak’s magical umbrella to his planet, which was filled with pretty pink trees. Jen loved, and was in awe, of Zak’s colourful planet, but there was something missing, her stars.

Zak and Jen’s Astronomical Adventures, is a lovely, children’s rhyming book. The book is only 29 pages long, but it certainly packs a lot in. Behind the beautiful writing, is a message for all children, to appreciate what they have. A take on the ‘There’s no place like home’.

What sets this book apart from other children’s books is the exquisite illustrations by renown artist, Chris Rivers Nuttall. His drawing resembles those of Tim Burton, with that Gothic, slightly creepy style to them. Not too creepy that they will scare children though. They really do capture the heart of the story, and bring it to life, complimenting Ms. Pages Words.

An outstanding book that children of all ages can enjoy. Hopefully they will understand the message that is emphasised throughout, to appreciate what they already have.

Natalie Page is a professional communications consultant by day, but has always enjoyed writing stories for children and young adults. For Natalie, the joy of writing lies in the ability to create entirely new worlds and she loves nothing better than jotting down stories to entertain her family and friends.

Her inspiration can come from anywhere, but most of the time Natalie is inspired by her daughter, who adores books.

Chris Rivers Nuttall is a professional rock drummer who comes from a background of art and music. He started painting whilst travelling the world with his band, needing something to do on long journeys between shows. He now paints from his home studio in a variety of styles which often have a common surrealistic theme.