  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 09/01/2016 The lush double-spread cover depicting a habitat for birds, deer, rabbits, and children signals that the titular pond is a special place. The opening endpapers show a dank location outside a city, cheerless and lifeless. But young Matt discovers there might be more to “the pit,” and along with a diverse group of friends, he removes trash, creates a dam, and brings a pond to life. While something valuable is found in the dirt (a piece of blue quartz), the illustrations highlight other treasures: young people playing music, restoring an old boat, and luxuriating on a raft. LaMarche (Winter Is Coming, 2014, with Tony Johnston) utilizes a soft palette of acrylics, colored pencils, and opaque inks in warm earth tones with lots of yellow and blue. While the book notes the passing of seasons, the final end pages show an idyllic world in spring, a reminder of new possibilities. Pair with Diane Z. Shore and Jessica Alexander’s This Is the Earth (2016) for another look at nature and the role of children. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. School Library Journal - 10/01/2016 PreS-Gr 2—Like LaMarche's earlier titles, this one is an incredibly beautiful depiction of nature and all of its wonder. A story about renewal and changing seasons, this is the tale of Matt, a boy who sees potential in a small spring in an abandoned lot. Seeking the help of his sister and his friend Pablo, the young conservationist gets to work. Eventually, with the support of their parents, the children turn the trickle of water into a wonderful sanctuary for animals and people alike. This is a truly marvelous offering about our influence on nature and its influence on us. It is a celebration of all things natural in this world. The gentle text is highlighted by extraordinary, detailed illustrations. This selection is sure to fascinate readers young and old. VERDICT A lovely addition for most library collections, this gorgeous book will enchant and inspire.—Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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