The Promise

A picture book of great beauty and hope about the power we have to transform our world.

On a mean street in a mean city, a thief tries to snatch an old woman’s bag. But she finds she can’t have it without promising something in return – to “plant them all”. When it turns out the bag is full of acorns, the young thief embarks on a journey that changes her own life and the lives of others for generations to come. Inspired by the belief that a relationship with nature is essential to every human being, and that now, more than ever, we need to renew that relationship, The Promise is the story of a magical discovery that will touch the heart and imagination of every reader, young and old. With poignant simplicity, honesty and lyricism, Nicola Davies evokes a powerful vision of a world where people and nature live in harmony. And Laura Carlin's delicate illustrations capture a young girl’s journey from a harsh, urban reality to the beauty and vitality of a changed world.

A story of personal and ecological redemption, The Promise is a moving and didactic story. Recommended Reads
A poignant, honest and lyrical story Bath Magazine
Inspired by the belief that a relationship with nature is essential to every human being, and that more than ever, we need to renew that relationship, The Promise is the story of a magical discovery. The Green Parent
A story about hope, community and change. It sends a positive message about the power we have as an individual to make a positive impact on our surroundings. . . he book reminds us that it is essential for us to coexist with nature in harmony and balance, that the protection and respect of nature is crucial for the survival for all species on our planet Magpie That
Holds up a mirror to our dying, degraded cities, and then, with a simple gesture, present us with a most beautiful and transformational resolution . . . What is most profound about The Promise is that Nicola Davies takes a complex issue like urban decay, and shows us in simple, elegant prose the human cost – in a state of nature deficit, we cannot thrive. . . a deeply moving and gloriously illustrated book that does not shy away from scenes of despair, nor does it suffer from a failure of the imagination, like so many other stories with an environmental message. On the contrary, Davies and Carlin envision a brighter, more communal, and nature-abundant future, in the actionable now 32 Pages
We loved the illustrations, which really add to the atmosphere. Juno
The Promise is a stunning allegory that warms the heart and makes you see the world through a different lens. It is a book that causes you to stop and think and any book that can inspire change is a book well worth having. The Illustrated Forest
A story of a magical discovery that will touch the heart and imagination of every reader, young and old. With poignant simplicity, honesty and lyricism, Nicola Davies evokes a powerful vision of a world where people and nature live in harmony. babybuzz Magazine
This fairytale-like fable of transformation . . . ends in glorious hope and colour The Herald (Glasgow)
“A delicate, stunningly and beautiful book.” Times Educational Supplement
With its lyrical text and evocative artwork, this book explores our connection with nature - or lack of it - and makes a powerful plea for change. Teach Primary

Nicola Davies is an award-winning author, whose many books for children include A First Book of Nature, Ice Bear, Big Blue Whale, Dolphin Baby, Bat Loves the Night and the Silver Street Farm series. She graduated in zoology, studied whales and bats and then worked for the BBC Natural History Unit. Nicola lives in Abergavenny, Wales. Visit Nicola as www.nicola-davies.com.

Laura Carlin is a graduate of the Royal College of Art and the winner of several awards, including the V&A Book Illustration Award. Her work has featured in Vogue, the Guardian and The New York Times, and she also illustrated The Iron Man by Ted Hughes, which was awarded an honourable mention in the Bologna Ragazzi Award fiction category. Laura lives in London, SE17. See Laura's work at lauracarlin.blogspot.co.uk.

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