This work by English author, artist, and illustrator James Norbury is rather impressive (indeed). A Beautiful World launched in late September 2025, perfect timing for the glorious autumn season.

In his fifth book he takes readers on a journey with Big Panda and Tiny Dragon. The two characters have a challenging expedition to complete across the dangerous open world, but working together they overcome the odds in this spectacular and life-affirming tale.

The Journey of Discovery in A Beautiful World

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At the start of the book, Norbury suggests readers approach the work in different ways:

1. As a story from start to finish
2. Opening a random page to get some daily inspiration
3. Lifestyle tips across one chapter to the next

The illustrator has been upfront about personal issues and his works, part of a series with Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, are about offering hope and other lovely stuff. There is a major underlying theme of Japanese Buddhism to all of this, as you can see in the various brilliant images across the 170 page book.

So, yeah, those two characters journey across a world of dark forests, hazardous mountains, derelict ruins, and dark caves. Working together, they overcome their fears and press on walking.

“Through a journey of life-affirming friendship, struggle and hope, Big Panda and Tiny Dragon learn the immense power of looking for beauty in the most unlikely places.”

Although an extensive picture book, unlike the recent DROME by Jesse Lonegan there is quite a lot of prose here. Along their journey, the intrepid duo must muse on the world they encounter.

“The world is so amazing, thought Tiny Dragon. The huge mountains, the wonderful trees, all the incredible things people do and build. It’s easy to feel even tinier than I am. Sometimes I have to remind myself… I am enough.”

That little segment on page 40/41 is set to this image (plus, a bunch of other illustrations from the book).

It’s a work for all ages. To dismiss A Beautiful World as just another book for children is the wrong way of looking at it. Sure, kids will love this work. It’s not wacky or zany, instead it offers a more contemplative view of the wider world. One that every kid has to grow up and take on, as scary as that might seem.

Tiny Dragon and Big Panda are there to express those fears and work around them.

For kids, there are a bunch of life lessons to be had. Plus, some amazing imagery (this book really is beautifully illustrated). For adults, you get to read a great modern work for your wee ones.

Or you can take some relaxing time to yourself to go through it. Fantabulous if you want to zone out for a while. A Beautiful World is an excellent addition to anyone’s book shelf.

And a Bit About James Norbury

You can find out more about the writer on his official site: illustrator James Norbury. On his about page, he lists his reasons for creating this franchise with Big Panda and Tiny Dragon.

“I live in south Wales (UK) with my wife Ruth and lots of cats. In my spare time I enjoy guitar, games, karate, reading and finding out more about Japan which I would love to visit one day.

Having struggled myself, I chose to study spirituality (Buddhism in particular) and discovered a number of ideas and ways of looking at life which I found extremely helpful and transformative. I started Big Panda & Tiny Dragon to share those ideas with other people.”

He uses black ink and watercolours to create that world and is inspired by manga and historic Japanese ukiyo-e wood block artists (think Hokusai and his Great Wave).

This series has been very successful, shifting millions of copies and even getting attention in America. We can predict there’ll be an animated film adaptation of one of these eventually, which would be a fine development indeed.