The Vanishing Lake

Lake Loughareema is a rather ordinary lake with an island in the middle and lush hillsides surrounding it. There’s something about it, though, that simply confounds Meara. It vanishes from time to time as if it’s been drained by some outside source. Then, when the rain comes, it refills it as if it had never disappeared. Her granddad attributes this mysterious phenomenon to the narwhals poking holes in the lake bed or the sheep’s wool absorbing it greedily. Together, they ascend on a quest for truth up to the top of a nearby summit. There, Meara discovers giant mammoths lapping up the waters.

This is an interesting, whimsical tale set against the beautiful green landscape of Ireland. The brilliant hues of green, orange, and blue illuminate the pages and bring the story to life. Young children will embrace the mythical elements of The Vanishing Lake but will also be delightfully surprised to learn Lake Loughareema really exists. The author elucidates the perplexing wonder of its periodic disappearance.

The reading level is approximately second grade with the exception of the content included in the Author’s Note. Children ages four to eight will find this unique story mesmerizing. Additionally, its brevity makes it an ideal bedtime pick.