The Promise

A picture book of great beauty and hope about the power we have to transform our world. On a mean street in a mean city, a thief tries to snatch an old woman's bag. But she finds she can't have it without promising something in return - to "plant them all". When it turns out the bag is full of acorns, the young thief embarks on a journey that changes her own life and the lives of others for generations to come. Inspired by the belief that a relationship with nature is essential to every human being, and that now, more than ever, we need to renew that relationship, The Promise is the story of a magical discovery that will touch the heart and imagination of every reader, young and old. With poignant simplicity, honesty and lyricism, Nicola Davies evokes a powerful vision of a world where people and nature live in harmony. And Laura Carlin's delicate illustrations capture a young girl's journey from a harsh, urban reality to the beauty and vitality of a changed world.

Nicola Davies is a multi-award-winning author and Children's Laureate Wales 2025-27. Her many books for children include A First Book of Nature, Lots, The Promise and One World. She graduated in zoology, studied whales and bats and then worked for the BBC Natural History Unit, eventually becoming one of the original presenters of The Really Wild Show. She was the first ever recipient of the SLA's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Information Books.