Thank you, to book seller and owner of Sidekick Coffee and Books, for recommending this extraordinary picture book. Our Lake, is gorgeously written and illustrated by Angie Kang, and (in my humble opinion) should be in everyone’s library.
Two brothers embark on a journey to the lake where their father used to take them. The younger boy mimics his older brother who undresses, stretches, and leaps off the side of the high rock and into the glistening water below. But this is the first time they have ventured to the lake without their father. The younger boy is not sure he wants to jump, or even… if he can?
Finally, the younger child feels his father’s presence and with this security jumps into the refreshing lake waters. The two boys revel in the presence and joy of their memories of their Dad.
This is a book about loss and grief. But the brilliance of this stunning picture book is that it isn’t obviously about that. It’s about the journey of two brothers. About finding the courage to do something that you are afraid to do. About the power of love and the importance of memories.
When reading Our Lake, if you have, or are suffering from the loss of a loved one, or any loss, you will likely make a connection to that deeper metaphor. This is such a brilliantly crafted story, that it doesn’t need to rely on the tugging of emotional heartstrings. Angie Kang leads us down that path, but so subtilely that we are allowed and encouraged to draw our own conclusions, and to make our own interpretations.
The painterly artwork mimics this same subtlety. Trees are painted in dreamlike colors against bright yellow skies. They are obviously trees in a landscape, but they remain a bit blurry and bleed in and out of their backgrounds and foregrounds. I also found Angie’s choice of how to illustrate the father to be unexpected and refreshing. A large, bearded fellow who very believably could wrap you in his enormous arms and make you feel safe and protected.
I’m so happy that I found this book. I hope it finds, and comforts, a lot of other readers as well.
Wow! This looks lovely! Thank you for sharing this book, Jennifer!
Thank you so much for visiting and taking the time to comment, Angie! I hope you enjoy the book!
This looks like a lovely book. I love the idea of two brothers facing some big feelings together. I love Angie’s illustrations, too.
Hi Judy, it is lovely! Beautifully written and beautiful illustrations. Thanks so much for stopping by PBB today!
Wow! The art is stunning and the topic so helpful to so many kids. My library currently doesn’t carry the book but just asked them to purchase it!
Hi, Debra, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. I think it will be very relatable, and hopefully helpful, to a lot of young readers. Thank you!
Angie, what a heartfelt book you have created! I especially love your word choice.
Hi, Kathy, I agree that it’s a brilliantly written story. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting. It’s always nice to see you!
I love this book. Got it from the library, and it remains after several return trips because I can’t part with it. It deals so sensitively with its subjects for a young audience. So touching.
That makes me happy to hear, Sue. I bought it myself because I think it’s so special, too. Thank you!
Thank you for shaing this beautiful book, Jennifer. I plan to order it right away for our library.