Julia Key is a first-time author and lifelong poet, who has also worked as a translator, editor and teacher. Her children’s picture book for Wisdom Tales, Wonder: A Song of the Seasons, follows two young girls on a journey of discovery from dawn until dusk, and through the natural cycle of the year. The beautifully intricate illustrations by award-winning artist Helen Cann capture the splendour of each season, invite deeper reflection on the wonders of creation, and foster among young children a love for the natural world and a desire to explore it for themselves.

Julia has had a love of words for as long as she can remember, a love matched only by that for the green hills surrounding her home in the North of England, which are a constant source of inspiration to her. She finds creative fulfilment when writing poetry and prose that reflect something of the mystery and miracles of nature, and is particularly keen to play her part in helping the younger generation to discover and take delight in the world around them.

Julia has been successful in a number of poetry competitions and had many of her poems published. On graduating from university, she became a professional linguist and worked for some years in the high-pressure world of conference interpreting. She has also taught French to six-year-olds, worked as a language consultant to the BBC, and helped give a voice to refugees and asylum-seekers in court. All of these experiences have enriched her both personally and professionally. Julia Key currently works at the University of York, UK, alongside a team of researchers delving into the big questions of philosophy, political theory and contemporary society.

A sample page from Wonder: A Song of the Seasons, featuring a few lines from author
Julia Key’s poetic song to nature — and to children. Helen Cann did the illustration.

Can you follow the trail of a bright shooting star?

Do you know how a grasshopper strums his guitar?

Have you looked at the world through a dragonfly’s wings?

Or been in the front row when a nightingale sings?