The Circles in the Sky
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Walker Books Ltd
Published:7th Sep '23
Should be back in stock very soon

A beautiful and sensitive exploration of grief, loss and hope from Karl James Mountford, in his much-awaited author-illustrator debut.
One day, Fox is drawn to something in the forest – it’s something small, something silent, perhaps forgotten. It’s a bird, as still as can be. Fox is confused, upset and angry – is the bird broken? But then a little moth comes along. Kind and wise and comforting, Moth shares a gentle philosophy to help Fox understand: the story of the circles in the sky.
Told with sensitivity and style, Karl James Mountford weaves a story of grief, loss and, most importantly, hope.
Beautifully and stylishly illustrated, this is a moving story about loss and hope -- Charlotte Eyre * The Bookseller *
Written with gentleness and sensitivity, and stylishly illustrated in a stunning palette of muted colours, this exploration of grief – told in the manner of a contemporary folk tale – is ideal as a helping hand for youngsters coping with bereavement. -- Pam Norfolk * Lancashire Evening Post *
This is a gentle way of talking about death that is perfectly pitched for little ones.[…] With stunning artwork in rich autumnal colours, this first picture book written and illustrated by Karl James Mountford is utterly beautiful in both mood and style. It will be pored over for its beauty as well as the message. * BookTrust *
Karl James Mountford has created one of the most beautiful books I have ever seen […] The Circles In The Sky is a powerful, poignant story of love, loss, grief and hope. It is a book that I want to place in the hands of every bereaved mother, every sibling suffering loss, every family with an empty place at the their table. The Circles In The Sky is stunning. * Edspire *
After reading this intensely powerful fable-like picture book I needed to sit quietly and just be for a while. […] Not a single hint of talking down to children is there in this awesome book, just a beautiful message beautifully presented. * Red Reading Hub *
Beautifully and stylishly illustrated, this is a moving story about loss and hope -- Charlotte Eyre * The Bookseller *
Written with gentleness and sensitivity, and stylishly illustrated in a stunning palette of muted colours, this exploration of grief – told in the manner of a contemporary folk tale – is ideal as a helping hand for youngsters coping with bereavement. -- Pam Norfolk * Lancashire Evening Post *
This is a gentle way of talking about death that is perfectly pitched for little ones.[…] With stunning artwork in rich autumnal colours, this first picture book written and illustrated by Karl James Mountford is utterly beautiful in both mood and style. It will be pored over for its beauty as well as the message. * BookTrust *
Karl James Mountford has created one of the most beautiful books I have ever seen […] The Circles In The Sky is a powerful, poignant story of love, loss, grief and hope. It is a book that I want to place in the hands of every bereaved mother, every sibling suffering loss, every family with an empty place at the their table. The Circles In The Sky is stunning. * Edspire *
After reading this intensely powerful fable-like picture book I needed to sit quietly and just be for a while. […] Not a single hint of talking down to children is there in this awesome book, just a beautiful message beautifully presented. * Red Reading Hub *
- Short-listed for Hampshire Book Award 2024 (UK)
- Nominated for The Carnegie Medal 2024 (UK)
ISBN: 9781529515060
Dimensions: 278mm x 196mm x 6mm
Weight: 180g
40 pages