The insistent voice of the waterfall rings through the old north woods, beckoning a listening child back to the secret place she once shared with her grandfather. Its call mingles with the lively sounds of the forest-the birds and rustling leaves - in a reassuring blend of past and present, then and now.

In this lyrical tale, the young narrator visits the cabin that her Grandpa built and rediscovers the familiar woodland haunts they used to explore together. Now that Grandpa’s gone, she wanders alone yet feels a comforting sense of oneness with the forest. There are berries to taste and smooth stones to skip across the water. And best of all, there’s a surprise waiting for her in Grandpa’s special pool at the foot of the waterfall.

Adults and children alike will be captivated by this tender tale of loss and renewal amidst a natural setting that’s alive and appealing as the characters who move within it.

Richard Jesse Watson’s remarkable illustrations, with their rich, earthy colors and enchanting details, capture both the mystery and magic of the woodland setting and the quiet drama of the narrator’s adventure.

Media Reviews of The Waterfall’s Gift:

“Watson’s detailed egg tempera illustrations add the final layer to this beautifully crafted book.” School Library Journal, 2001

“Joanne Ryder’s superbly engaging story of loss and renewal amidst a natural setting is richly enhanced with the museum quality paintings of Richard Jesse Watson. The Waterfall’s Gift is very highly recommended for all readers, but most especially for those children struggling to deal with personal and family loss in their lives. Every school and community library in the country should have The Waterfall’s Gift available in their collections of picturebooks for readers.” Midwest Book Review, 7/5/01