This author illustrator has proved himself a master of the interplay between words and images and deploys these so skilfully to depict emotions in a way that enables young readers to get a better understanding of the feelings enveloping them. In contrast to the grey urban landscape depicted in the acclaimed The Invisible, we have here a beautiful rural landscape where Rowan is so happy exploring and playing. We are told that Rowan particularly loves the river and how it could be calm, playful or even angry, just like him. But one year there was a particularly cruel winter and although the words do not refer to it, the poignant vignettes depict the now empty dog basket. The river, unseasonably remaining frozen, represents Rowan’s grief and his inability to find any joy in life without his beloved pet. There is no need for the text to describe that, the images say it all. But the nature around him eventually breaks through when he notices, rescues and heals a little bird and again, a beautiful series of vignettes show Rowan growing, feeling and changing over time just like the river and just like the river, he remains and goes on. Subtle, beautiful and thought provoking.
An exquisite, thought-provoking book to help children understand the idea of ever-changing emotions.
Rowan loves the river; it's just like he is. On some days, it's quiet and calm, on others it's light and playful, and then there are the days when it roars along, wild and angry. But when Rowan goes through a particularly difficult winter, the river freezes - just like Rowan. Can Rowan find a way to release his frozen feelings, and allow the river to flow freely once more?
The wise and reassuring new picture book from the creator of The Invisible and Ruby's Worry.