Description
Product Description
* Shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards 2022.
* Gold Medal Winner in the Independent Publisher Book Awards 2021.
* Selected for the annual Best Children's Books In China list 2020.
A captivating tale that celebrates a young girl's determination, a granddad's wisdom, and the fantastical wonders of the natural world.
Something mysterious is happening at Lake Loughareema. There are days the lake is beautiful, shimmering, and full. And then there are other days . . . where the lake is completely empty.
Meara asks her granddad WHY the water disappears, but every time he blames far-fetched culprits: Narwals! Mermaids! Giants! Unsatisfied with these wild tales, Meara sets out to look under every pebble and search every hill—exploring the entire island to uncover the truth for herself. Little does she know the answer is much larger than she realizes, and it might just take stepping back and opening her eyes to the impossible to discover the magic of Lake Loughareema.
Review
"The Vanishing Lake explores the timeless mysteries and magic of nature. A story that captivates the imagination with lush illustrations and humour. It feels like a modern classic."- Fiona Woodcock, Picture Book Author & Illustrator
"Children will adore this funny and surprising mystery about a determined young girl and her inventive grandfather. Donnelly's beautiful illustrations evoke the spirit of discovery and adventure that children find in all wild places."- Jennifer Bell, Children's Author.
"The whimsical tone and lively art recall Benji Davies' The Storm Whale, and there's a constant sense of motion here; the fluid swoops of the rolling hills and luminous clouds bring vibrancy. Viewers will get a kick out of Meara's look of determination as she tries to suss out the cause of the vanishing lake, and they'll appreciate that the book carries its playful fantasy to the very end."- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"The Vanishing Lake is a wonderful read for adults and children alike, as it is a journey of discovery...We are brought on this curious journey to Lake Loughareema - under the water and over the hills - by the distinctive and enchanting voice of the author, encouraging us all to discover the magic and wonder of the story."- Children's Books Ireland, Inis Magazine Issue.
About the Author
Paddy Donnelly is an Irish author & illustrator living in Belgium. He grew up on the north coast of Ireland, surrounded by mythical stories of giants, magical creatures and shape-shifting animals - all set in a stunning landscape from another time. All of this prompted his love for nature, animals, the sea and storytelling.
He creates his illustrations digitally, but loves working with a textured, painterly approach. The Vanishing Lake is his debut author illustrated picture book, based on a real lake close to his childhood home in Ireland.
He wishes Pluto was still a planet.