Descriptions, Reviews, etc.
Description:
Two grieving brothers visit the lake their father took them to for the first time.
Review Quotes: Praise for Our Lake by Angie Kang; illustrated by Angie Kang:
A 2026 Randolph Caldecott Honor Book
A 2026 Charlotte Zolotow Award
The Society of Illustrators Original Art Show selection (The Dilys Evans Founder's Award)
An ALSC 2026 Notable Children's Book (All Ages category)
A 2026 Comstock Read Aloud Book Award Honor Winner
A Bank Street Best Children's Books of 2026
A 2026 Golden Kite Award finalist (Picture Book Illustration category)
A 2025 Chinese Children's Book Festival Golden Pinwheel People's Choice Award
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR:
Publisher's Weekly, Evanston Public Library,
School Library Journal, NPR,
Kirkus, Children's Book Review, Horn Book Fanfare, Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature (CSMCL)
A 2026 Golden Kite Award finalist (Picture Book Illustration category)
A Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards (PADIBA) Longlist Book
★ "A deeply felt story about siblings returning to a cherished place...in loosely painted, expressive gouache, crayon, and colored pencil. Foregrounding the hard work of moving forward, this story about loss offers a vision of a place where "we are all together." --
Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ "
With lyrical descriptive language and breathtaking illustrations, this book tenderly explores themes of loss, bravery, and family. A gentle and heartfelt exploration of grief,
this book is a must-have addition to any library shelf." --
School Library Journal, starred review
★" Kang's debut picture book is a
quiet portrait of the ways in which grief takes us by surprise, and its
glorious final celebratory splash offers a
radiant reminder of how joy and connection can exist alongside sadness." --
The Horn Book, starred review
"A sensitive look at the delicate process of navigating loss. The gouache, crayon, and colored pencil illustrations convey a sense of calm and comfort while also acknowledging the anxiety of the unknown." --
Kirkus Reviews "Lyrical...The text has a contemplative quality to it, never taking up more than three short lines at a time and allowing the viewer space to process every word...Vibrant eye-catching colors splash across every page." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"
A heartfelt story of overcoming grief. 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." --Booklist
