Our Lake

Starred review from January 6, 2025
Kang debuts with a deeply felt story about siblings returning to a cherished place—
“Brother is taking me up to swim in the lake like Father used to.” In loosely painted, expressive gouache, crayon, and colored pencil spreads, two figures head up a slope amid deeply saturated blues, greens, and magentas. The duo prepare to swim in the bright sun: “Brother takes off his shirt. I take off my shirt. Brother stretches. I stretch.” After Brother dives easily off a rock into the water, the younger sibling freezes, the sequence capturing each beat of the child’s overwhelm (“How did I ever do this before?”). Then the image of a bearded man in a jaunty red hat appears (“On the inside of my eyelids, I see Father”). Next, Father’s reflection materializes in the water, and the child’s diving in offers a kind of reunion. Kang pictures the dreamlike moment the two meet, hands out-
stretched (“He has my nose and my eyes”). Foregrounding the hard work of moving forward, this story about loss offers a vision of a place where “we are all together.” Characters are portrayed with dark hair and pale skin. Ages 4–8. Agent: Anjali Singh, Ayesha Pande Literary.

January 15, 2025
Grief and remembrances of times past converge on a hot day. A pair of unnamed, East Asian-presenting siblings hike to a nearby lake that holds memories both cherished and painful. As they approach the water, both fear and sadness keep the younger sibling, who narrates, from jumping in. The children's beloved father has apparently died, and the protagonist can't help thinking of how he used to accompany the kids on swims. After Brother takes the plunge and spurs his sibling to follow suit, the younger child shakes off the fear, conveyed through squiggly green lines emanating from the little one's body, resembling the ripples of the water. The protagonist draws strength not only from Brother's encouragement, but also in the comforting memories of the good times they both had with their father. The siblings realize that despite their sadness, they still have each other: "Here in our lake, / we are all together." Debut author/illustrator Kang has created an effective look at how activities that once brought joy can fill us with dread following loss. The gouache, crayon, and colored pencil illustrations, with their warm yellows and deep blues and purples, convey a sense of calm and comfort while also acknowledging the anxiety of the unknown. A sensitive look at the delicate process of navigating loss.(Picture book. 5-8)

COPYRIGHT(2025) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2025
Preschool-Grade 2 More than just water, a lake holds memories for a boy as he forlornly remembers his late father. Kang's title-page image of an older brother tying his younger brother's shoes sets the tone for this heartfelt story of overcoming grief. As the brothers climb to the lake, the younger camouflages his fear by copying the motions of his sibling. Watching his brother dive and emerge from the water, the younger boy wonders how he used to do the same. Closing his eyes, memories of their father, portrayed as a large man stretching, diving, smiling, and laughing, fortify the young boy's confidence to dive. In the water's reflection, the boy sees his father's image. After resurfacing, the brothers hug: "Here, in our lake, the water holds us close." Mixing gouache with the texture from crayons and colored pencils, Kang paints the sky a soft yellow with foliage in deep blues and greens. Combining these elements with the unlined art adds a softness to the delicate subject matter. A valuable addition for even the most robust collections.

COPYRIGHT(2025) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from February 28, 2025

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. VERDICT A gentle and heartfelt exploration of grief, this book is a must-have addition to any library shelf.-Brooke Newberry

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