The Pond
Publisher: Graffeg Books
A young boy and his father are preparing to build a pond in the garden, but they only get as far as digging a muddy hole before Dad passes away. Will the pond ever get finished, or will it be left as a gap in the ground? And will the water lilies, tadpoles and dragonflies Dad dreamed of ever arrive?
Nicola Davies' tale is heartbreaking and unafraid of tackling the real pain involved in losing someone you love, but it strikes an ultimately hopeful tone. Complemented by Cathy Fisher's astonishingly evocative, swirling and exquisite illustrations, The Pond is a raw and emotional read but an important one, using nature to symbolise the circle of life in a thoughtful, considered and beautiful way.