The Promise

On the dark streets of a city that is mean and hard and ugly, a young thief tries to steal an old lady's bag. But the old lady hangs on with unexpected strength, only at last agreeing to give up her bag if the thief will make a promise in return. When she discovers that the bag does not contain money and food, but only acorns, the young thief finally begins to understand the promise she has made. As she travels through the city, she plants acorns on roads and roundabouts, among rubble and by train tracks, embarking on the first steps of a journey that will transform the world around her - and her own life - in ways she could never have imagined.

Written by Nicola Davies, with illustrations by acclaimed illustrator Laura Carlin, this is a stunning picture book about the power of nature. From the subdued grey tones of the earliest pages, to the vibrant colour of the sumptuous final spreads, Carlin's beautiful and evocative illustrations, in a combination of watercolour, pastel and crayon, bring to life Davies' simple but magical fable. This beautiful and sophisticated book will be appreciated by parents and children alike.