Every meal is a celebration in Maggie Cowles' first picture book, Table!

""For adults, I hoped it would offer a slower, more observational experience," says Maggie. Her warm domestic scenes echo the feeling of long evenings spent at the dinner table or lunchtime laughter with friends - the labour of love that comes with cooking for one another."

""But there isn't a correct way to read it," she says. "It belongs just as much on a child's bookshelf as it does on an adult's coffee table.""

""I've always loved D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, and that influence still finds its way into my work," says Maggie."

"Amongst all of her delightful scenes however, one of Maggie's favourite moments in the book is actually its final spread: a blank table for you to fill with your very own."

The book is designed to provide a rewarding observational experience for both adults and children. It features warm domestic scenes that evoke feelings of shared meals and laughter. The illustrations draw from personal experiences and cultural influences, including Greek myths. A unique aspect is the final spread, which is a blank table inviting readers to create their own drawings and narratives. This interactive element encourages participation beyond the pages, making it suitable for various audiences.

Read at Itsnicethat