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The Waterfall's Gift
On a visit to the old north woods, a girl enjoys the many natural treasures hidden in its deepest places.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2001
1 person is currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Ryder
105 books18 followersJoanna Ryder is an award-winning author whose books offer a unique blend of poetry and science. Her innovative Just for a Day series invites children into the world of wild animals, ranging from a sea otter to Tyrannosaurus rex. Ms. Ryder says, "Children know that my books often ask them to imagine being a different creature. So they always ask me which animal I would choose to be. I'd be a flying one, I tell them. Or if I could, I'd wish for wings. And I've discovered children would love wings, too. But which ones to choose? I wrote Rainbow Wings to help us decide." Ms. Ryder lives in Pacific Grove, California.
-taken from www.balkinbuddies.com
-taken from www.balkinbuddies.com
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 5, 2018
The artistic conceptualization of this book is incredible. I expected The Waterfall's Gift chiefly to be a show of Joanne Ryder's storytelling; as it turns out, illustrator Richard Jesse Watson is the star, executing some of the most awe-inspiring outdoors scenes I've ever seen in a picture book. The depth, creativity, playfulness, warmth and diversity of action is astounding, pushing the limits of what I thought could be done in a picture book. This is the first book illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson that I've read, but if he consistently maintains this level of excellence then I'd place him in the same category of greats as Brian Selznick, Kadir Nelson, Chris Van Allsburg, and Holling C. Holling. I don't think anyone could have done a better job illustrating this book than Richard Jesse Watson.
From the first-person perspective of a girl who loved to spend time outdoors with her grandfather before he passed away, we go along on the girl's journey with her family back to a place that had been special to them. It's a place where the outdoors is wild and exotic, but somehow also kind, extending welcome to a girl who loves to be out and about in its flowing waters and lush grass. Her grandfather can't be with her to enjoy the sights and sounds, but that doesn't diminish the experience. The girl makes her way to see things ranging from curious to humorous to majestic, capped by a mammoth waterfall and its deafening downpour that, for all its noise, harmonizes beautifully with its surroundings. The girl isn't going to let go of this place or forget how wonderful it is because of her sadness that her grandfather is gone. Her enjoyment of it is the best tribute to him, showing that his influence endures. Every day in nature is new, so there's always something to be discovered. The adventure is only beginning.
Joanne Ryder's lovely, subtle story magnifies the accompanying illustrations. One would be hard-pressed to find a better picture book of this type than The Waterfall's Gift, a celebration of life in all its forms. I would give it two and a half stars.
From the first-person perspective of a girl who loved to spend time outdoors with her grandfather before he passed away, we go along on the girl's journey with her family back to a place that had been special to them. It's a place where the outdoors is wild and exotic, but somehow also kind, extending welcome to a girl who loves to be out and about in its flowing waters and lush grass. Her grandfather can't be with her to enjoy the sights and sounds, but that doesn't diminish the experience. The girl makes her way to see things ranging from curious to humorous to majestic, capped by a mammoth waterfall and its deafening downpour that, for all its noise, harmonizes beautifully with its surroundings. The girl isn't going to let go of this place or forget how wonderful it is because of her sadness that her grandfather is gone. Her enjoyment of it is the best tribute to him, showing that his influence endures. Every day in nature is new, so there's always something to be discovered. The adventure is only beginning.
Joanne Ryder's lovely, subtle story magnifies the accompanying illustrations. One would be hard-pressed to find a better picture book of this type than The Waterfall's Gift, a celebration of life in all its forms. I would give it two and a half stars.
January 30, 2021
This book reminds me of growing up on my parents farm and exploring the woods and rivers. I was always in search of pretty rocks and treasures.
It takes the reader on a journey of wonder through the eyes of a child and would be a great book for middle school aged children.
My kids enjoyed the pictures. The Illustration is beautiful and brings to life the magic of the forest. Some of the pictures have such great detail they could be photographs.
The author Joanne Ryder has a love of nature and she is considered a natural world author. Her love for nature and animals shows through in her book. She is also a docent at the San Diego Zoo and a member of the San Fransisco Zoology Society.
It takes the reader on a journey of wonder through the eyes of a child and would be a great book for middle school aged children.
My kids enjoyed the pictures. The Illustration is beautiful and brings to life the magic of the forest. Some of the pictures have such great detail they could be photographs.
The author Joanne Ryder has a love of nature and she is considered a natural world author. Her love for nature and animals shows through in her book. She is also a docent at the San Diego Zoo and a member of the San Fransisco Zoology Society.
February 27, 2018
Beautiful, photo realistic egg tempera paintings.
March 13, 2010
Beautiful illustrations that encourage the reader to imagine actually being in and absorbing nature!
March 31, 2015
beautifully illustrated - and we want to go there!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews