Pond by Jim LaMarche

"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?

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"