The Pond felt like slipping into a quiet moment with my own family — the kind where everyone leans a little closer, the world slows down, and a story becomes something you feel as much as you read.

What stayed with us most was how beautifully it mirrors the way we try to move through life at home: noticing small wonders, talking through big feelings, and learning to breathe with whatever season we’re in. Yuki and her grandmother felt so familiar — that gentle, steady presence guiding a curious child through the world. It reminded me of the way we walk our own kids through questions, worries, and discoveries.

The art is absolutely captivating. Every page felt like an invitation to pause — to trace the water, the creatures, the shifting colors — and just be there for a moment. It’s the kind of artwork that pulls you in and makes you want to linger.

And learning about Taoist ideas together was such a gift. The way the book talks about flowing like water, finding the natural path, and embracing change sparked real conversations in our home about how we handle frustration, how we soften instead of push, and how we look for beauty even in things we don’t understand yet. It made the philosophy feel not ancient, but alive — something we could carry into our everyday moments.

This book didn’t just teach us something; it gave us a feeling. A calm one. A connected one. The kind you want to tuck away and return to whenever life gets a little too loud.

Thanks to NetGalley and Raymond Gregory for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is available now.

Yuki spends the year with her grandmother, and learns about Tao through The Pond. She existences the pond change through the seasons and learns valuable lessons about life.

“Taoism offers something different: the idea that stillness is not laziness, that patience is a kind of strength, and that some of life‘s most important lessons cannot be learned by rushing.”

“Contentment comes not from perfect conditions, but from being perfectly yourself within whatever conditions exist.”

There are beautiful pictures throughout and the imagery created by the words is easy to imagine. Recommend for people who enjoy symbolism, appreciate Japanese Gardens and those of us who just want to slow down and appreciate nature.

This was a relaxing and pleasant read. I liked the idea of taking examples from nature to explain concepts in a way that aimed at a child. This could be a suitable book for young people looking to learn about Taoism.

I'm grateful that the advance reader's copy (ARC) was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my review. Peace be with you. :-)