| 9781481447355 |
| 1481447351 |
Available:*
Library | Material Type | Call Number | Shelf Location | Status | Item Holds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... East Library | Children's Book | LAMA | Children's-J-Easy | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
Searching... Penrose Library | Children's Book | LAMA | Children's-J-Easy | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
Searching... Sand Creek Library | Children's Book | LAMA | Children's-J-Easy | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
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Summary
Summary
"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?
Author Notes
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.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Like LaMarche's earlier titles, this one is an incredibly beautiful depiction of nature and all of its wonder. A story about renewal and changing seasons, this is the tale of Matt, a boy who sees potential in a small spring in an abandoned lot. Seeking the help of his sister and his friend Pablo, the young conservationist gets to work. Eventually, with the support of their parents, the children turn the trickle of water into a wonderful sanctuary for animals and people alike. 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. The gentle text is highlighted by extraordinary, detailed illustrations. This selection is sure to fascinate readers young and old. VERDICT A lovely addition for most library collections, this gorgeous book will enchant and inspire.-Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Stories about nature often feature disappearing wildlife and dwindling habitats, but LaMarche (Winter Is Coming) shows how nature can rebound. Matt realizes that the little spring bubbling up through a trash pile near his house might once have been a pond. He asks his friends Katie and Pablo to help him clean it up and dam the flow. As water begins to pool up behind their homemade dam, birds and animals appear. Canada geese used to pass overhead in the fall, but now "hundreds of them would fly down and rest on our pond." In LaMarche's spreads, the children-Matt and Katie are white, and Pablo appears to be Latino-are often viewed from a distance enjoying the paradise they've made, drifting on the water in a wooden dinghy, camping with Matt's father in the fall, and skating in the winter. 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. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
The lush double-spread cover depicting a habitat for birds, deer, rabbits, and children signals that the titular pond is a special place. The opening endpapers show a dank location outside a city, cheerless and lifeless. But young Matt discovers there might be more to the pit, and along with a diverse group of friends, he removes trash, creates a dam, and brings a pond to life. While something valuable is found in the dirt (a piece of blue quartz), the illustrations highlight other treasures: young people playing music, restoring an old boat, and luxuriating on a raft. LaMarche (Winter Is Coming, 2014, with Tony Johnston) 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. Pair with Diane Z. Shore and Jessica Alexander's This Is the Earth (2016) for another look at nature and the role of children.--Ching, Edie Copyright 2016 Booklist
