Plus get our latest book recommendations, author news, and competitions right to your inbox.
Table of Contents
About The Book
“A loving portrayal of a never-forgotten connection with the natural world.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“It’s a powerful vision of making one’s own wild place, with no special equipment or expenditure required.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
The joy of the seasons, the wonder of discovery, and the appreciation and respect for the natural world is at the heart of this book, drawn from the childhood of award-winning illustrator Jim LaMarche.
When Matt is out for a late winter hike he sees a trickle of water in the old deserted and junk filled dirt pit at the edge of his neighborhood. With quiet appreciation, Matt can imagine the pond that must once have been there, shining in the early spring light, freezing in the winter for skating and the perfect place for swimming in the summer.
Can Matt’s discovery transform a forgotten pond to its natural wonder? With his idea of making the pond whole again, Matt rallies his friends, Katie and Pablo, and together they work through the spring, clearing debris, moving rocks to hold the water, and looking for leaks. But would there be enough water to fill the pond? Can they bring the pond back?
“It’s a powerful vision of making one’s own wild place, with no special equipment or expenditure required.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
The joy of the seasons, the wonder of discovery, and the appreciation and respect for the natural world is at the heart of this book, drawn from the childhood of award-winning illustrator Jim LaMarche.
When Matt is out for a late winter hike he sees a trickle of water in the old deserted and junk filled dirt pit at the edge of his neighborhood. With quiet appreciation, Matt can imagine the pond that must once have been there, shining in the early spring light, freezing in the winter for skating and the perfect place for swimming in the summer.
Can Matt’s discovery transform a forgotten pond to its natural wonder? With his idea of making the pond whole again, Matt rallies his friends, Katie and Pablo, and together they work through the spring, clearing debris, moving rocks to hold the water, and looking for leaks. But would there be enough water to fill the pond? Can they bring the pond back?
About The Author
None
Jim LaMarche is one of the most talented artists working in children’s books today. His many successful books include Rainbabies by Laura Kraus Melmed and Albert by Donna Jo Napoli, which was selected as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book; and Up and Raft, which he also wrote. Most recently he illustrated The Carpenter’s Gift by David Rubel and Puma Dreams by Tony Johnston. Jim lives in Santa Cruz, California.
About The Illustrator
None
Jim LaMarche is one of the most talented artists working in children’s books today. His many successful books include Rainbabies by Laura Kraus Melmed and Albert by Donna Jo Napoli, which was selected as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book; and Up and Raft, which he also wrote. Most recently he illustrated The Carpenter’s Gift by David Rubel and Puma Dreams by Tony Johnston. Jim lives in Santa Cruz, California.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (September 13, 2016)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781481447362
- Ages: 4 - 8
Browse Related Books
Raves and Reviews
The combination of children, water, trees, and birds offers many scenes of richness and wonder, and LaMarche’s detailed artwork captures it in sharp focus. It’s a powerful vision of making one’s own wild place, with no special equipment or expenditure required. * PUBLSHERS WEEKLY, starred review
– Publishers Weekly *STARRED REVIEW*, June 20, 2016
A grand, wordless spread looks down on the children enjoying their pond, inviting readers into this idyllic world. A loving portrayal of a never-forgotten connection with the natural world. * KIRKUS, starred review
– Kirkus, * STARRED REVIEW *, 7/15/16
LaMarche utilizes a soft palette of acrylics, colored pencils, and opaque inks in warm earth tones with lots of yellow and blue. While the book notes the passing of seasons, the final end pages show an idyllic world in spring, a reminder of new possibilities. — Edie Ching
– Booklist, September 1, 2016
"An incredibly beautiful depiction of nature and all of its wonder. A story about renewal and changing seasons..This is a truly marvelous offering about our influence on nature and its influence on us. It is a celebration of all things natural in this world. This selection is sure to fascinate readers young and old. ...this gorgeous book will enchant and inspire." School Library Journal.
– School Library Journal, October 2016
Awards and Honors
- Kansas NEA Reading Circle List PrimaryTitle
- Great Lakes Great Books Master List (MI)
- Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Noteworthy Title
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Pond Enhanced eBook 9781481447362
- Author Photo (jpg): Jim LaMarche None(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
