Picture book: The Promise, Nicola Davies

In this stunning book, the author tells the tale of a young woman hardened by circumstance who steals an old woman’s bag only to discover the power of nature and colour to bring about smiles and laughter and wonder.

“When I was young, I lived in a city that was mean and hard and ugly. Its streets were dry as dust, cracked by heat and cold, and never blessed with rain. A gritty yellow wind blew constantly, scratching around the buildings like a hungry dog."

The elderly woman hands over her purse on the condition that the young girl makes her a promise. As she fulfils that pledge, the award winning illustrations come alive.

“Green spread through the city like a song, breathing to the sky, drawing down the rain like a blessing.”

 As the publisher notes, “underlaying all [Davies’] writing is the belief that a relationship with nature is essential to every human being and that now more than ever, we need to renew that relationship.” This is a tale of redemption through kindness, redemption through nature, and it will both tug at your heartstrings and inspire you. Beautifully written and superbly illustrated.

Rating: 5 stars/5 stars

Recommended for all ages although the beginning pages are quite bleak and may require discussion.

The details: Davies, N. (2014). The Promise. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.