The Circles in the Sky -- Karl James Mountford

With luminous illustrations, this original folktale about the discovery of a lifeless bird offers a sympathetic exploration of grief, loss, and hope.

One morning, Fox is drawn toward the forest. There, in a clearing, he sees something small and silent, perhaps forgotten. It's a bird, lying as still as can be. Fox is confused, upset, and angry. Is the bird broken? Why doesn't it move or sing, no matter what Fox does? His curious antics are spied by a little moth, who shares a comforting thought about the circles in the sky--that the sun, even after it sets, is reflected by the moon and the stars, reminding us of its light. In an author-illustrator debut, Karl James Mountford pairs a text at once lyrical and humorous, meditative and down-to-earth with glorious, multilayered artwork that will take your breath away. Told with sensitivity and an enchanting visual style, this story of the ineffable nature of death and life has the feel of a universal folktale for modern times.

Author: Karl James Mountford
Publisher: Candlewick Studio
Published: 09/27/2022
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 11.06h x 8.08w x 0.37d
ISBN: 9781536224986
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2022 - Book Of Special Distinction
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2022
Booklist 09/15/2022 pg. 55