The Rough Patch

Evan—a farmer—and his dog do everything together, from eating ice cream to caring for their showstopping garden where everything grows big and beautiful. One day, the unthinkable happens: Evan’s dog dies. Heartbroken, Evan destroys the garden and everything in it. Soon, the patch fills with weeds, becoming ugly with prickles and thorns, and Evan embraces the chaos and misery. When a twisting pumpkin vine reaches under the fence, he decides to let it grow. It grows and grows and produces an immense pumpkin. Drawn back to the county fair he and his dog visited every year, Evan reconnects with old friends and his pumpkin wins the perfect prize: a new pup to bring home.
New York Times–bestselling author-illustrator Brian Lies has created a beautiful, accessible, and deeply personal story about friendship, loss, and recovery. Detailed paintings depict the changing seasons and convey great emotion. The Rough Patch is an ideal choice for those experiencing the loss of a pet or a loved one.
Full-color illustrations created with acrylics, oils, and colored pencils.