Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautifully illustrated story gently navigates loss.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In OUR LAKE, two siblings hike to a lake that holds vivid memories of fun with their father. The younger child is afraid to jump off the tall rock, remembering how their father used to help them. With encouragement from the older brother and comfort from cherished memories, the younger brother finds the courage to jump in, and in the water, shares a tender moment with his brother.
Is It Any Good?
Angie Kang's expressive, colorful illustrations reflect the gentle navigation of grief, joy, loss, and remembrance in a deeply meaningful, kid-friendly way. Our Lake uses simple language to convey complex thoughts and feelings, and the boys helping each other at a place that holds so many memories brings warmth to hard times. This can help kids process emotions, and support others who have lost someone important.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it's like to feel both joy and sorrow at the same time, like the brothers in Our Lake do when they're near the water.
How could you support a friend who has lost someone important to them?
What are important places in your life? Who do you share them with?
How do you think little brother feels as his brother encourages him to jump? What helps him find the courage to jump in? Is there a person in your life that helps you feel brave? Who, and how?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Angie Kang
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Kokila
- Publication date : March 4, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : Caldecott Medal and Honors , Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : January 28, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate