The Depth of the Lake and the Height of the Sky - by Jihyun Kim (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A junior library guild gold standard selection"--Cover

Book Synopsis

'Astonishing to behold.' --The New York Times

It's summertime and a boy and his dog are leaving behind their apartment in the busy city.

His grandparents' home in the countryside feels like a different world. From the window, the curious boy sees a path leading enticingly into the forest. He can't wait to explore.

At each bend in the trail the boy discovers more wonders of the surrounding natural world, from towering trees to a still, silent lake. He can't resist diving down, down into the cool water and greeting the fish below. Then later, when boy and dog have been warmed by the gentle sunshine, they wander back, contentedly, to their family. But before they go to sleep, nature gives them one last dazzling show: they look up, up to a night sky awash with stars.

Without a word, The Depth of the Lake and the Height of the Sky tells the heartfelt and uplifting story of a child's independent discovery of the natural world. Kim Jihyun cleverly captures excitement, wonder and joy in intricate illustrations using a deceptively simple color palate.

This is a beautiful wordless story about allowing ourselves to be present in the moment and see the world afresh.

Review Quotes

• The Boston Globe, "Best Books of 2022"
• New York Public Library, "Best Books of 2022"
• USBBY, "2023 Outstanding International Books List"
• Booklist, "Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2022"
• The Horn Book, "Fanfare 2022 Booklist"
• Kirkus Reviews, "Best Picture Books of 2022"
• School Library Journal, "Best Books 2022"
• A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

PRAISE FOR The Depth of the Lake and the Height of the Sky:

'Stunning... A quiet story that encourages a sense of wonder.' --The Boston Globe

'Drawn and painted in writing ink, to show different qualities of light, it's astonishing to behold.' --The New York Times

'A wordless ode to the serenity of breathing deep in nature... A simple yet marvelous musing on the beauty of the great outdoors.' --Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

'This wordless picture book about a city child visiting the country pays tribute to the wonders of the natural world.' --The Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW

'A book of quiet beauty... A stellar addition for all libraries.' --Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

'The pages within showcase spectacular illustrations and, without a single word, gorgeously reveal a story of family, nature and discovery... a wordless picture book masterpiece.' --Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW

'Each spread is a masterpiece... leisurely and lovely.' --School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

'The illustrations are drop-dead gorgeous and thrilling.' --Youth Services Book Review, 5 stars

'This is a beautiful wordless story about allowing ourselves to be present in the moment and see the world afresh.' --YA and Kids Books Central

About the Author

Kim Jihyun is an illustrator and picture book creator from South Korea. Jihyun studied Design and Illustration at the University of Brighton, UK, and Seoul National University, South Korea. Her first picture book, The Depth of the Lake and the Height of the Sky, evokes the feeling of being surrounded by the vast natural world; a stark contrast to her life in a busy city. Jihyun lives in Seoul with her partner and their young daughter.