The River

In The River, a young boy learns to navigate his changing emotions through the metaphor of a river, finding ways to express his feelings.

In The River, readers are taken on a journey through the ever-changing emotions of a young boy named Rowan. He finds a deep connection with the river near his home, which mirrors his own feelings. Some days, the river is calm and serene, reflecting moments of peace in Rowan's life. Other times, it sparkles with playfulness, much like the joy he experiences. However, during a particularly harsh winter, the river freezes, symbolizing the emotional turmoil Rowan faces, leaving him feeling trapped and isolated.

As the story unfolds, Rowan must confront his frozen feelings and discover ways to express and release them. The river serves as a metaphor for his emotional state, illustrating the importance of acknowledging and navigating through one’s feelings. With gentle guidance, Rowan learns that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions and that, like the river, these feelings can flow freely again with time and understanding.

The River is a beautifully illustrated picture book that encourages children to explore their emotions and understand the natural ebb and flow of feelings. Tom Percival, known for his previous works, weaves a comforting narrative that reassures young readers they are not alone in their emotional experiences. This book is not only a story but also a valuable tool for parents and educators to discuss emotional literacy with children.