Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 18 Jan 2026

The Secret World of Seahorses by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Lou Baker-Smith

If I had to pick one subject area that the world of children’s book authorship, illustration and publishing has excelled in over recent times it would be natural history – with a particular focus on conservation. There have been a host of beautiful, informative titles that have helped raise awareness of just how fragile our flora and fauna are in a world that over-exploits natural resources and has to adjust to climate change. Here at The Letterpress Project one of our very favourite champions of the natural world is Nicola Davies and once again, in collaboration with the artist and illustrator, Lou Baker-Smith she has brought us another beautiful book highlighting the wonder (and plight) of the seahorse.

Seahorses are one of those creatures we think we know but, in truth, have very little idea about. There’s something extraordinary about them – it’s hard to keep in mind that they are real, living things and not just fairy story creations. Nicola Davies’ book – part of the ‘Protecting the Planet’ series – takes us engagingly through the basics.

Seahorses don’t travel in shoals; they like to keep themselves hidden away and a combination of human behaviour and climate change have made the seahorse a rarer and rarer thing to see in their natural habitat. The fact that humans have taken them in numbers for a range of decorative and quasi-medical purposes has wreaked havoc on populations but maybe, just maybe, we’ve learned some lessons and the tide is turning. 

I like the fact that Davies doesn’t let the negative side of the seahorse story take up all the space and we get to see just how amazing the seahorse is when it … dances! Yes, the mating ritual of the seahorse is pretty remarkable and they have quite surprising gender roles too.

But you’ll have to get your own copy of the book to find out just what that means.

Available now from Walker Books, you’ll be able to get a copy from your local independent bookshop – who will, of course, be happy to order you a copy if they don’t have it on their shelves.

 

Terry Potter

January 2026