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The River
  • Published: 7 April 2026
  • ISBN: 9781962770477
  • Imprint: NY Review Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 64
  • RRP: $39.99

The River

  • Claude Ponti
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A psychedelic adventure story of friendship, peril, gender questions, and foraging in two floating villages, perfect for 5-8 year olds — the latest fantasy world from beloved writer and illustrator Claude Ponti.

In two floating villages on the river Longo live a pair of boat-faring communities, sailing where their whim or the current takes them. The Oolongs are known for the delicious roots, fruits, and flowers they gather; the Kukichas pick healiherbs, and prepare powerful potions that help them feel their best. Both communities foster an atmosphere of openness and play in all aspects of life, including where gender is concerned. For Lu Cha (an Oolong boy) and Ali Roo (a Kukicha girl), it's only natural that gender can be chosen, tried out, and reconsidered as each child sees fit. All is well in this idyllic world until suddenly, from far beyond the shiverbanks and the boobam brambles, a mysterious beast comes to prowl.

Claude Ponti develops parallel utopian worlds where two communities, governed by values of kindness, openness, inventiveness, and the pursuit of beauty, end up realizing they need each other. In Claude Ponti’s wonderfully detailed illustrations and sparkling wordplay, skillfully translated by Margot Kerlidou and Alyson Waters, young readers will find a faraway world of pleasure, fright, and friendship.
  • Published: 7 April 2026
  • ISBN: 9781962770477
  • Imprint: NY Review Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 64
  • RRP: $39.99
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Praise for The River

"Wholly unique . . . The pages brim with imaginative flora and fauna, as well as rich details of two accepting cultures." —Danielle Ballantyne, Foreword Reviews

"Ponti has again contrived the most gorgeous fantastical creatures and landscapes . . . reassuring in its emphasis on community connection, solidarity with the vulnerable, and courage in the face of adversity." —Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk

"Although a fantastical and amusing tale, Ponti addresses realistic and timely issues in The River that could lead to interesting and thoughtful intergenerational conversations . . . As is his expertise, Ponti invents yet another playful and meaningful narrative, aurally and visually." —Michelle Nott

"This book is not simply read—it is experienced. It’s a story that encourages children to trust their instincts, embrace curiosity, and understand that journeys—even uncertain ones—can be beautiful." —Melanie Braga, Momma Braga

"A new Ponti is always cause for celebration. [The River] is an incredible and inventive exploration of a natural world that dares to explore gender . . . Exhilarating."—Betsy Bird, School Library Journal's Fuse 8 Blog

"Wholly unique . . . The pages brim with imaginative flora and fauna, as well as rich details of two accepting cultures." —Danielle Ballantyne, Foreword Reviews

"Ponti has again contrived the most gorgeous fantastical creatures and landscapes . . . reassuring in its emphasis on community connection, solidarity with the vulnerable, and courage in the face of adversity." —Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk

"Although a fantastical and amusing tale, Ponti addresses realistic and timely issues in The River that could lead to interesting and thoughtful intergenerational conversations . . . As is his expertise, Ponti invents yet another playful and meaningful narrative, aurally and visually." —Michelle Nott