The Promise
- Subject
- Science & Nature - Environment
- Age
- 3-5 years
- Format
- Hardcover
- Pages
- 40
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press (MA)
- Size
- 25.9 cm × 26.2 cm
- ISBN
- 9780763666330
An allegorical tale of hope takes on new life in this stirring, gorgeously illustrated story.
On a mean street in a mean, broken city, a young girl tries to snatch an old woman’s bag. But the frail old woman, holding on with the strength of heroes, says the thief can’t have it without giving something in return: the promise. It is the beginning of a journey that will change the thieving girl’s life — and a chance to change the world, for good. Here is the story of a magical discovery that will touch the heart and imagination of every reader, young and old. In an exciting collaboration, author Nicola Davies joins forces with illustrator Laura Carlin to create a contemporary tale inspired by Jean Giono’s 1953 story, L’homme qui plantait des arbres.
On a mean street in a mean, broken city, a young girl tries to snatch an old woman’s bag. But the frail old woman, holding on with the strength of heroes, says the thief can’t have it without giving something in return: the promise. It is the beginning of a journey that will change the thieving girl’s life — and a chance to change the world, for good. Here is the story of a magical discovery that will touch the heart and imagination of every reader, young and old. In an exciting collaboration, author Nicola Davies joins forces with illustrator Laura Carlin to create a contemporary tale inspired by Jean Giono’s 1953 story, L’homme qui plantait des arbres.
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What reviewers said
Inspired by Jean Giono’s 1953 story, L’homme qui plantait des arbres, this tale is a sturdy one that is made even more emphatic by Davies’ terse writing style. The text is heightened in every way by Carlin’s outstanding mixed-media artwork.
A message of hope infuses Davies's story... In her first picture book, Carlin creates a chalky, ashy landscape, which she gradually peppers with specks of color as the girl plants the acorns... Davies's parable-like narrative leaves a quietly powerful impression while avoiding preaching.
The illustrations turn to glorious full color as the world becomes a better place. The endpapers reflect the change from a sad story at the beginning to the positive, life-changing event at the end. A thoughtful book, told with simplicity, with a poignant message.
[An] earnest parable on how nature will provide an easy cure for the physical and moral sterility of urban life.
[T]his is a gentle story about people’s restorative relationship with nature. Muted mixed-media illustrations come to life as the story progresses until the pages are in full bloom. Pair this with Peter Brown’s The Curious Garden for a storytime about urban gardening at its best.
A picture book that at first seems dystopic but is ultimately about the healing power of nature. ... Carlin opens with scratchy illustrations of harsh cityscapes colored gray and brown. Gradually, the pictures grow softer with hints of green and dashes of red and blue, until we see full bursts of color, not just from trees and flowers, but from within the people themselves.
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