Higher Ground

by Tull Suwannakit

Higher Ground ABISBOOK New Frontier Publishing.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fiction, Picture Books, Childrens, Nature, Middle Grade

Hardcover

Reviews

[GONZA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story with perfect illustrations. Tragic but with an ending open to hope.

Bellissima storia con delle illustrazioni perfette. Tragica ma con un finale aperto alla speranza.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Big Flood comes, two children are left behind—stranded on the roof of their building with their grandmother while the rest of the city evacuates. In the face of an apocalyptic world, their grandmother teaches them everything she knows. With her guidance, they learn to survive and eventually set out in search of a new beginning.

Told through soft watercolor and gouache illustrations, this story captures both the devastation and hope of life on the edge of catastrophe. The art style, reminiscent of Barbara Lehman’s quiet grace, beautifully complements the narrative’s emotional depth. This is a timely tale of climate change, a tribute to intergenerational wisdom, and a gentle reminder of the knowledge held by the earth itself.

While it may not be an instant favorite among younger readers due to its emotional weight, I believe it will deeply resonate with those who are especially empathetic or thoughtful. A strong and necessary addition to school libraries.

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.

[Lannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beauty of the illustrations shines through in its deceptive simplicity. Through graphite and water color the author addresses hope and persistence in times of uncertainty and great loss. A story told mostly through its emotive images. Great graphic novel for adults and children alike. Highly recommend.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of questions about how the rooftop and what was there before the children and their grandmother came to live there. And how they survived at sea later without water. Interesting that it ends hopeful about the community they found, yet they were left by the community to start with. Plenty of lessons about survival and hope. Beautifully illustrated.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous melancholy illustrated short novel about one family’s life after environmental disaster.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up on a whim. A true cover buy. Maybe with a flip through. A lovely graphic picture book that gave stylistic vibes of The Arrival.

Dystopian yet hopeful clifi. Two sibling and Thor grandmother survive an inundation on the top of their apartment building. It’s also part survival instruction manual, which I found an odd choice.

[Boon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Higher Ground by Tull Suwannakit is a children’s book that goes far beyond a simple story for kids. Beneath its gentle words and beautiful illustrations lies a powerful message of hope, resilience, and quiet strength.

The story encourages children (and adults too) not to give up when faced with bad luck or tough days. Instead, it teaches us to focus on what we can do, to accept what we can't control, and to patiently wait for the right moment to step forward, explore the world, and make a difference.

What truly brings the story to life is Tull Suwannakit’s artwork. His illustrations are filled with emotion, warmth, and softness. The colors and drawings beautifully express the heart of the story, making every page a joy to look at.

This is a book filled with love, meaning, and life. I highly recommend Higher Ground to both children and adults—it’s the kind of book that gently stays with you, long after you've closed the last page.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous, evocative illustrations that do a lot of the storytelling. My favorite pictures are of the food in the garden.

The story is filled with messages of never giving up and of being hopeful but I found it mostly dismal & grim and achingly sad and scary.

While a lot of what is happening and all of the why is left out I could not help but think of our climate crisis and various future scenarios.

Heavy book. I was thinking it was more for older people but perhaps children reading it will be able to feel as optimistic as the author/illustrator obviously intended.

It is a beautiful book.

It’s a hard one to rate. Illustrations: 5 for sure. Text story and overall narrative: maybe a 3.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌱 I was not expecting to be so moved by this powerful book: Higher Ground by Tull Suwannakit

🥹 A beautiful story of hope, family, loss, tradition and courage. I absolutely cried my eyes out and it took me by surprise. “Life can be meaningful even in the darkest of days.” 💚🌱

👵🏻 I have such a bond with my 93-year-old Grandma that it really struck a chord. I love how she shared her memories and knowledge with her grandchildren, just like my Grandma.

🥰 This book is an absolute must! I think it has recently been shortlisted and I really hope it wins. Wow!

[Alyssa DeLeon · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts of this that I really liked and parts that I was confused by. The hope and resilience lesson came across clearly, but I didn't understand why some of the sad parts happened. What was this flood that occurred and no rescue teams came? Why did the children have to leave their grandma? Why didn't they go back and look for her? The art was beautiful, though, and I enjoyed reading this.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two children and their grandmother are stranded by a flood on a roof. They grow a garden and learn to survive. But the water keeps rising, and soon they must move on in search of higher ground. Beautiful and sad.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deceptively simple but packs a punch.

Flood maroons two kids and their grandmother on a rooftop with garden and shed. Seasons pass, they make a life, learn to survive, and the water is still rising. They eventually set out, without their grandma.
Resilience and hope: “Never give up.”

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tale, beautifully illustrated and full of hope - this story will delight your soul.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, and sad.

[Brandi Rae Fong]

I had a lot of questions about the flooding and logistics of finding supplies, but the message of hope and survival in trying times is one we could all use right now.