Runaway Pond

"Runaway Pond" by Nancy Price Graff is a touching tribute to everyday heroism and the dynamic nature of landscapes. The story is based on a true event that occurred in a Vermont village. The plot revolves around Long Pond, a once serene and reflective body of water that is central to the community's life. When a late-summer storm causes the pond to overflow, threatening the villagers downstream, only one person, Spencer Chamberlain, is swift enough to warn everyone. Thanks to his heroic sprint, the villagers are saved from the flood.

However, the aftermath of the storm leaves the pond dramatically altered, symbolizing how landscapes are ever-changing. The book highlights not just the immediate danger of the storm, but also the larger theme of how nature constantly evolves. The narrative serves as both a celebration of individual bravery and a poetic reflection on the cycles of nature. The book's artwork, created by Bagram Ibatoulline, beautifully captures the serene yet shifting landscape, complementing the story's themes of change and renewal. Through this gentle, lyrical tale, Graff invites readers to consider the ongoing transformation of the world around them.