{"product_id":"pond-9781481447355","title":"Pond","description":"\u003cb\u003e\"A loving portrayal of a never-forgotten connection with the natural world.\" --\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"It's a powerful vision of making one's own wild place, with no special equipment or expenditure required.\" --\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe joy of the seasons, the wonder of discovery, and the appreciation and respect for the natural world is at the heart of this book, drawn from the childhood of award-winning illustrator Jim LaMarche. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhen Matt is out for a late winter hike he sees a trickle of water in the old deserted and junk filled dirt pit at the edge of his neighborhood. With quiet appreciation, Matt can imagine the pond that must once have been there, shining in the early spring light, freezing in the winter for skating and the perfect place for swimming in the summer. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eCan Matt's discovery transform a forgotten pond to its natural wonder? With his idea of making the pond whole again, Matt rallies his friends, Katie and Pablo, and together they work through the spring, clearing debris, moving rocks to hold the water, and looking for leaks. But would there be enough water to fill the pond? Can they bring the pond back?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eLaMarche, Jim:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - Jim LaMarche is one of the most talented artists working in children's books today. His many successful books include \u003ci\u003eRainbabies\u003c\/i\u003e by Laura Kraus Melmed and \u003ci\u003eAlbert\u003c\/i\u003e by Donna Jo Napoli, which was selected as a \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e Best Illustrated Book; and \u003ci\u003eUp\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eRaft\u003c\/i\u003e, which he also wrote. Most recently he illustrated \u003ci\u003eThe Carpenter's Gift\u003c\/i\u003e by David Rubel and \u003ci\u003ePuma Dreams \u003c\/i\u003eby Tony Johnston. Jim lives in Santa Cruz, California.","brand":"Simon \u0026 Schuster\/Paula Wiseman Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50618439074066,"sku":"9781481447355","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_7e9db828-ba8b-43d2-9de9-da4b32ffdfaa.jpg?v=1732535926","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/pond-9781481447355","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}