The Promise [Paperback]

“This tale is a sturdy one that is made even more emphatic by Davies’s terse writing style. The text is heightened in every way by Carlin’s outstanding mixed-media artwork.” — Booklist (starred review)

On a mean street in a mean, broken city, a young girl tries to snatch an old woman’s bag. But the frail old woman says the thief can’t have it without giving something in return: the promise. It is the beginning of a journey that will change the girl’s life — and a chance to change the world, for good.Inspired by Jean Giono’s 1953 story, L’homme qui plantait des arbres, this tale is a sturdy one that is made even more emphatic by Davies’ terse writing style. The text is heightened in every way by Carlin’s outstanding mixed-media artwork.
—Booklist (starred review)

A message of hope infuses Davies's story... In her first picture book, Carlin creates a chalky, ashy landscape, which she gradually peppers with specks of color as the girl plants the acorns... Davies's parable-like narrative leaves a quietly powerful impression while avoiding preaching.
—Publishers Weekly

The illustrations turn to glorious full color as the world becomes a better place. The endpapers reflect the change from a sad story at the beginning to the positive, life-changing event at the end. A thoughtful book, told with simplicity, with a poignant message.
—School Library Journal

[An] earnest parable on how nature will provide an easy cure for the physical and moral sterility of urban life.
—Kirkus Reviews

[T]his is a gentle story about people’s restorative relationship with nature. Muted mixed-media illustrations come to life as the story progresses until the pages are in full bloom. Pair this with Peter Brown’s The Curious Garden for a storytime about urban gardening at its best.
—Library l#”