This isn't my favorite read of the year, but it's worth rating because I really liked its thought-provoking, yet whimsical nature. Very much like the pictures! I recommend trying this out if you like books with drawings by its author--I'm always a sucker for these. :)

Henry Slator is fit, healthy and active until colon cancer was diagnosed in early 2020. He coped well yet to struggle with the chemotherapy after surgery. The same year that make lives turned upside down by Covid-19 and the lockdown.

Conversations At The Pond is some kind of distraction to Henry. The cancer might eat you alive but your inner self always motivated by your environment.



At the ponds live the frog, bettle, eels, grass snake, water fleas, snail, toads, ducks, and spider. Conversation between Henry and the creatures make his life more valuable and he's looking forward every day.



This book mean a lot to me. I have a family that died fighting cancer and Covid-19 as well. By talking to the wildlife, the journey might be different from our point of view.

I give 5 ⭐

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.

What a delightfully deceptive book! The rather droll comments on current world events were entertaining. Not to mention the human species commentary. But truthfully the pond life education was most wonderful! A quick, fun read.

I really like the front cover of the frog it made me smile. The illustrations are really good and I like how it breaks up the writing. Henry share his story about cancer.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book.

It's been a hard year. 18 months, more like. The fear, the isolation, the economic upheaval...we're all coping as best we can. For someone like the author of this book, dealing with a cancer diagnosis and chemo on top of all of the rest of the uncertainty and chaos, all bets are off. Any and all coping strategies are on the table, and talking to the animals at a nearby pond is probably better than a lot of other options!

The outgrowth of this is an amusing, irreverent, whimsical book full of adorable illustrations and funny, endearing characters. This world is not at all a bad place to get lost for a bit and we could all use a nice place to get lost. This would be a good story for anyone who needs a bit of a lift and a thoughtful gift for someone who could use a distraction from their cares.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!