Our Lake

PreS–A heartrending journey through grief and bravery unfolds in this beautifully illustrated story, where a young boy learns to navigate loss on a hot summer day. Gorgeous gouache illustrations bring to life the tale of two brothers embarking on a hike, with the opening lines subtly hinting at the theme of loss: “Today, Brother is taking me up to swim in the lake like Father used to.” The younger brother, eager to imitate his older sibling, faces an overwhelming wave of nervousness when it’s time to jump into the water. “Suddenly, my stomach is full of stones. How did I ever do this before?” As memories of their father flood back, the boy finds the strength to leap, symbolizing both personal growth and the strength of family bonds. The story concludes with the touching sentiment that, in the water, it feels as though the entire family has reunited. With lyrical descriptive language and breathtaking illustrations, this book tenderly explores themes of loss, bravery, and family.