Alex CF’s beautiful and important book, ‘Punks In The Willows’, is a colourful guide to the punk rock community, told through the lives of animals.
This new paperback version is packed with illustrations depicting the creativity, music, social justice and above all, friendship that is found in the punk rock scene.
With verses suitable for readers of any age, and gorgeous artwork this alternative keepsake book, launched in April ’23 for World Book Day, is available to order now.
“Imagine if Kenneth Graham’s characters were a bunch of hardcore punk rockers…
Great art shows animals anthropomorphised into hoodies and jacket-wearing punks with all the right reference points and patches. The backdrop to a gig emblazoned His Hedgerow Is Gone is perhaps my favourite.
Starting with the question “What kind of animal is punk rock?” the verses accompanying the imagery set out the wonderful diversity of the punk scene.
Across 40 A4 pages, Alex’s beautiful colour images illustrate these words with scenes of woodland gigs, protests and positive affirmation of the community and solidarity that exists in the sometimes fractious family of punk. I’ve never seen a ‘Wind In The Willows’ picture book but I’m assuming the style here is derived from that original, whose title has been subverted.
I’m not sure if this book is aimed at children or adults and it seems the publishers can’t decide either, saying it is “inspiring reading for any age.” Perhaps it’s the punks with young kids who will form a disorderly queue to grab a copy."
Review by Nathan Brown for Louder Than War magazine.
This is the paperback edition.
(£12.99 in stores and online, but just £9.99 direct from Earth Island Books)
There is also an A4 hardcover version and a digital ebook available, as well as more great books by this author / artist.
Hardback 9781803525761
Paperback 9781739647773
Ebook 9781739647780
About the author - Alex CF is an illustrator, author and sculptor. His work revolves around animal mythology and political fantasy, having written the environmental epic, ‘The Books of Orata' - 'Seek The Throat From Which We Sing’ and ‘Wretched Is The Husk’ and the illustrated companion book, ‘The Orata, A Compendium Of The Cultures And Creeds Of Naa.’ His personal and political aspirations are explored further in ‘The Book Of Venym, An Egalitarian Demonology’ An illustrated anti-fascist occult grimoire, a call to arms in the defence of nature and against humanities proclivities for violence, told through striking illustrations of benevolent demons and deities.
Alex has been involved in DIY punk, animal rights and alternative culture for much of his adult life, and is the vocalist in a number of bands, where he creates self-contained narratives and artwork inspired by his favourite authors, and ideologies shared within the band. He was the vocalist in Fall of Efrafa, and is currently involved in many musical projects.
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