Drawn to Nature by Caroline Quentin

Following Drawn to the Garden, Caroline Quentin returns with a blend of memoir, observations and her own illustrations. In Drawn to Nature, she turns her attention to the natural world and the small things we often overlook.

“Nature’s colour palette changes throughout the year. Of course, it's not just the colours that affect me - the shapes, sounds, scents and the feel of the natural world all have an impact - but it is the colours of nature, birds, landscapes, plants and animals that make my senses fizz,” says Caroline.

The book is loosely structured around the colours of the rainbow, allowing Caroline to wander through the seasons and her own life. She shares memories of the British countryside and stories from her acting career, alongside encounters with wildlife and the changing landscape.

What appealed to me most was the focus on the nature we encounter in our everyday lives and how we can stay connected to it, wherever we live. You don’t need a large garden. It could be birdsong outside your window, a flower in a local park, a favourite tree or an animal that makes you stop for a moment. I was especially delighted to discover my favourite critters, red squirrels, also make an appearance. 

Drawn to Nature is based on a simple idea: slow down and notice what is around you. Whether you have a garden, a balcony pot, a few houseplants or simply somewhere nearby to walk, there are opportunities to connect with nature. In our busy lives, it’s surprisingly easy to overlook what is right in front of us. Caroline’s observations are a reminder to step outside, pay attention and appreciate those everyday encounters.

Rather than a book to rush through, this is one to dip into, enjoy a story or illustration, and perhaps be inspired to look a little more closely at the world around you.

Drawn to Nature is warm, colourful and beautifully presented. Most of all, I enjoyed its celebration of the small, everyday encounters with nature that can easily pass us by. If you enjoy memoir, gardening, wildlife, or books that encourage you to slow down and appreciate the world around you, this book is for you. Follow Caroline online.

Reviewer: Andrea Molloy

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