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Song of the RiverGecko Press, 1st July 2019 | Pencil, photoshop
Written by Joy Cowley, illustrations by Kimberly Andrews In this resonant story from Joy Cowley, Cam the mountain boy follows the river from its trickling source in the snow all the way to the sea. The river leads him through forest, farms and towns to the salty wind of the sea. The dramatic landscapes are packed with detail to discover in the world of the river. |
Awards & recognition
SHORTLISTED - Russell Clark Award for Illustration 2020 - NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Storylines Notable Picture Book Award 2019
Named as a Best Children's Books of the Year - Bank Street College of Education List 2020
Storylines Notable Picture Book Award 2019
Named as a Best Children's Books of the Year - Bank Street College of Education List 2020
Praise for Song of the River
"It’s exuberant and joyful, reflected in the warm and textured illustrations which capture the natural environment and the movement of the water. An absolute treasure and brilliant read-aloud."
Magpies Magazine (AUS) – September 16, 2019
Magpies Magazine (AUS) – September 16, 2019
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A child from the mountains follows a trickle of water that leads to a creek, then a river, and finally to the sea. Unusual, mysterious illustrations.
Bank Street Best Books list - 2020 A new edition of a classic has been re-created for a new generation. The Source – November 18, 2019 With graceful, rhyming poetry, Cowley articulates the connectedness of nature, while Andrews renders the rush and earnestness of the boy’s journey through striated light, city smoke, and the broad, blue sea. Publishers Weekly – August 19, 2019 This book is ripe with teaching potential but also a pure pleasure to read, in both language and image. AKO – August 7, 2019 A perfect choice for young naturalists and budding scientists interested in the water cycle. School Library Journal – July 30, 2019 The dramatic illustrations by Kimberly Andrews are packed with detail, encouraging readers to explore the world of the river and the land surrounding it. Parents in Touch – July 26, 2019 Cowley’s beautiful, melodic story – brimming with atmosphere and descriptive power – is exquisitely brought to life by illustrator Kimberly Andrews’ dramatic evocation of a wonderfully contrasting North American landscape full of rich detail and muted, earth-toned colours. Lancashire Post – July 26, 2019 |
We are treated to great vistas and detailed close-ups throughout the course of the day (perfectly pitched by the artist Kimberly Andrews) and Joy Cowley’s text is playfully poetic, climaxing with the dreamy journey-ending song of the sea, with a bonus point for what must be one of the most beautiful final lines ever gifted to a picture book. It took my breath away.
North Scotland Newspapers – July 26, 2019 An awe-inspiring tribute to the natural world and to storytelling itself. Red Reading Hub – July 16, 2019 Cowley neatly modulates Cam’s adventure, sentences that build and accrete like that rivulet taking readers on the journey. A lovely homage to nature. Kirkus Reviews – June 27, 2019 Andrews perfectly captures the gentleness of the story, with muted, natural colourings and strong detail. NZ Book Lovers – June 27, 2019 Beautifully written, with earthy coloured illustrations, this book provides the story of many rivers and their journey to the sea. Book Trailers 4 Kids and YA – June 27, 2019 |