Praise
There is currently no shortage of picture books designed to educate children on the complexity of Gender . . . But few books discuss identity with this much whimsy and humanity… Ponti’s vivid Illustrations and . . . empathetic handling of grief and gender identity will stick with you after the last page.
— Julian Axelrod, Booklist
Two creatures seek to preserve their cultures’ peace in this latest worldbuilding extravaganza from Ponti, whose oversize landscape format and signature-style visuals invite total storytelling surrender . . . Brimming with the creator’s signature and seemingly inexhaustible love for invented language and lush surrealism, it’s a dreamlike, richly rendered work that favors a collaborative approach to life.
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.
Wholly unique . . . The pages brim with imaginative flora and fauna, as well as rich details of two accepting cultures.
— Danielle Ballantyne, Foreword Reviews
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
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
The River is about openness and tolerance, not just toward gender questions, but toward your neighbors, too. Look how the two river peoples help each other, even though they are very different: the Oolongs and the Kukichas share their skill sets and fight evil together for the good of all.
— Alyson Waters, World Kid Lit
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.
A dreamlike absurdist romp . . . This psychedelic realm of optical illusions is full of visual and verbal tricks and puns . . . It’s a world you fall into and wander through. A book to be taken to a quiet corner and devoured again and again. A strange journey to be relived.
— Ben Hatke on Meeselphe, The New York Times Book Review