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.
