The Circles in the Sky

A beautiful and sensitive exploration of grief, loss and hope from Karl James Mountford, in his much-awaited author-illustrator debut.

One day, Fox is drawn to something in the forest – it’s something small, something silent, perhaps forgotten. It’s a bird, as still as can be. Fox is confused, upset and angry – is the bird broken? But then a little moth comes along. Kind and wise and comforting, Moth shares a gentle philosophy: the story of the circles in the sky.

Told with huge sensitivity and style, this story of grief and hope feels like a folk tale for modern times.

Beautifully and stylishly illustrated, this is a moving story about loss and hope -- Charlotte Eyre The Bookseller
Written with gentleness and sensitivity, and stylishly illustrated in a stunning palette of muted colours, this exploration of grief – told in the manner of a contemporary folk tale – is ideal as a helping hand for youngsters coping with bereavement. -- Pam Norfolk Lancashire Evening Post
This is a gentle way of talking about death that is perfectly pitched for little ones.[…] With stunning artwork in rich autumnal colours, this first picture book written and illustrated by Karl James Mountford is utterly beautiful in both mood and style. It will be pored over for its beauty as well as the message. BookTrust
Karl James Mountford has created one of the most beautiful books I have ever seen […] The Circles In The Sky is a powerful, poignant story of love, loss, grief and hope. It is a book that I want to place in the hands of every bereaved mother, every sibling suffering loss, every family with an empty place at the their table. The Circles In The Sky is stunning. Edspire
After reading this intensely powerful fable-like picture book I needed to sit quietly and just be for a while. […] Not a single hint of talking down to children is there in this awesome book, just a beautiful message beautifully presented. Red Reading Hub

Karl James Mountford has created cover artwork and illustrations for many successful fiction titles such as The Uncommoners by Jennifer Bell, Taylor and Rose Secret Agents by Katherine Woodfine and The Peculiars by Kieran Larwood. He has also worked on picture books including Maurice the Unbeastly by Amy Dixon and The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth by Ellie Hattie. You can find him on Instagram as @karljamesmountford and on Twitter as @karlj_mountford.

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