Ode To The River

Written and Illustrated by Emily House (Imagnary House)

Ages 5-10

A gorgeous rhyming picture book that follows the mystery of rivers: where do they begin and where do they end?

High in the mountains where few people go, water is springing, beginning to flow.

Join the river on a magical journey and uncover fascinating secrets hidden within its waters along the way.

This latest story by award-winning children’s book author Emily House is enriched with fun facts from a true river expert, aquatic ecologist Dr. Liz Day. I love the book’s lyrical style, the creative use of fold outs and full page illustations which draw you into the life of the river as it passes from its source high in the mountains through the land, showing all the animals that live in and on it as well as interesting facts about the river tucked into little fold outs. The river animals ask the question ‘But where does it go?’ and the answer ‘Nobody Knows!’ is a delightful refrain children will enjoy saying out loud. Finally all is revealed as the river enters the sea.

Educational without being pedantic and thought provoking for young chidlren who are fascinated by the mysteries of nature. This is a great gift book for children age 5 – 10.

Meet the author and Illustrator

Emily House is an award-winning author and illustrator with several published titles to her name. Her picture book, Bailey and Blanket, earned a SCBWI Crystal Kite Award in 2023 and Treemergency! was a Crystal Kite Finalist in 2024. Many of her books have foreign translations too. Emily is also Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, (SCBWI) South Africa. Listen to our podcast interview with Emily on how to be a children’s book illustrator, here.

Find Emily here and follow her on instagram.