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The Path
  • Published: 23 September 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593532195
  • Imprint: Putnam
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 40
  • RRP: $45.00

The Path

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This playful yet deep picture book is a celebration of community, nature, and the magic of cooperation.

It’s a busy evening at the local park and all sorts of people are taking advantage of the precious natural space. Whether biking or rollerblading, birding or dog walking, there should be room enough for everyone . . . so why does it seem like someone else is always in the way?

Suddenly, a murmuration of starlings erupts from the treetops—one giant winged cloud swirls and spins across the sky, forcing everyone to stop and look up. And after this small, spectacular moment, the park's visitors begin to interact with a new appreciation for what nature and community add to their lives. 

With watercolor illustrations full of personality, movement, and life, this special story reminds readers of all ages that we have a lot to offer each other when we widen our perspectives.

* “A remarkably original look at the awesome power of community.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* “[An] optimism-inspiring story . . . highlighting the beauty of community formed through empathy.” —Publisher's Weekly, starred review

* ”This slice-of-life story showcases what nature has to teach us easily frustrated humans about coexistence and community.” —School Library Journal, starred review
  • Published: 23 September 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593532195
  • Imprint: Putnam
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 40
  • RRP: $45.00
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About the authors

Pamela Paul

Pamela Paul is a writer at large for The Wall Street Journal. She was previously an Opinion columnist at the New York Times and the editor of The New York Times Book Review. She is the author of eight adult books and Rectangle Time, a book for children. Prior to joining The New York Times, she was a contributor to Time and The Economist, and her work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and Vogue.
portrait photo of Pamela Paul

Praise for The Path


Praise for It Simply Can't Be Bedtime:
“Pretend play collides with domestic demands . . . In this extended bedtime romp, digital drawings by Salerno, rendered in deep shades of pink, purple, and blue, tell the story in bold strokes, while dialogue by Paul crackles with British turns of phrase . . . Budding Anglophiles should be rather keen.” —Publisher’s Weekly

“An amusing addition to the bedtime story stack . . . Told with humor and sweetness . . . the father and daughter model a strong, loving relationship as he joins her play wholeheartedly, giving her agency while also steadily guiding her toward bed . . . A fun read-aloud.” —Kirkus Reviews