From dusk to dawn a forest creeps into a town where the grown-ups are too distracted to notice. But the children do.
They see greenery take root in the lifeless cracks of dull sidewalks. They see an eagle build her nest atop a forgotten fountain and saplings start to sprout in dark corners. A gray-drab city defined by concrete and steel, vibrations and notifications, transforms into a living garden where apartment buildings overflow with window boxes full of flowers, birds sing songs through day and night and children laugh and tend to their gardens. Watch as nature reclaims this town.
"Written in perfect rhyme that is enriched by whimsical, vibrant illustrations, this book pulls the reader into the magic it is about to weave… Nature reclaimed this town and its residents will never be the same. I loved the book and highly recommend it."
– Storywraps Blog
"The combination of poem and art will appeal to young children who can study the detail in the illustrations while listening to the narrative. Highly Recommended."
– CM Magazine
"With vibrant and engaging illustrations, this picture book sings the story of a paved parking lot returning to a paradise…Ghigna's rhythmic and rhyming couplets narrate the miracle with the respect and drama of a professional bard…The multicultural faces make this a good choice for preschool and early-elementary shelves, especially in settings that prize a connection to nature."
– Kirkus Reviews
"This story is visually stunning, refreshing in its simplicity, and will no doubt become a 'Can we read it again?' favourite among readers of all ages."
– BC BookLook
"I loved this little picture book…The illustrations are whimsical, detailed, and perfect for the story…The rhyming text is cute and I think this would make a wonderful read aloud."
– Carol's Notebook blog
"An exquisite poem cleverly illustrated to evoke feelings of wonder and awe…Highly recommended for both public and school libraries as well as a gift for preschoolers and young elementary school aged children. It is a delight to read aloud at Story Time. The language is age appropriate with just enough variety of words to inspire curiosity and to expand vocabulary. The drawings invite contemplation."
– Resource Links
"Beautifully illustrated…A great read-aloud for primary students."
– Canadian Teacher
"This captivating story will hook young readers from the opening lines, enchanting them with its lyrical text and evocative illustrations. Ghigna employs rhyming quatrains to brilliant effect, conjuring up bewitching images with his skillful use of poetic devices and sensory detail ('whispered echoes roam,' 'hallowed hush of twilight,' 'beneath the veil of twilight's blush'). Reading aloud his beautiful lines amplifies the magic."
– Jama's Alphabet Soup blog
"The rhyme and rhythm of Charles Ghigna’s poetry and the wonder of nature shown in impeccably rendered digital artwork are worthy of celebration and close observation."
– Sal's Fiction Addiction blog
“Ghigna's smooth, rhyming verse is effectively complemented by Wilkinson's illustrations, which show the town first gray, then deep purple in the night, and finally in glorious, multicolored bloom come morning.”
– The Horn Book Online
The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award (GEBA) | 2019 | Long-listed
Chocolate Lily Book Awards - Picture Books | 2019 | Short-listed
