Description
Two children half a world away from each other are connected in an unexpected way.
Way, way up north in a snow-covered world, a young girl is surprised when, instead of a fish on the end of her fishing line, there is a small, brightly painted wooden bird. Day after day her fishing pole brings up more colorful surprises. When visiting the fishing hole for the last time, she drops a little wooden bear into the water. Far away, a young boy walks along a beach in the hot, hot sun. He throws a colorful object into the water. Then something catches his eye. A small wooden bear washed up on the beach.
Karin Littlewood has crafted a simple, affecting story of how individuals around the world connect and enrich each other’s lives. Her beautiful watercolor illustrations vibrantly depict the story’s shifting locations—from the frozen Arctic to the tropical shoreline.
Reviews
★“A story with a quiet magic and beauty.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
“Skillful painting and the softness of [Littllewood’s] expressive pencil work beautifully impart this gentle tale.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Skilled, appealing watercolor-and-pencil illustrations. A warm story that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings on earth.” ―Booklist
“The painterly illustrations done in colored pencil, watercolor, and gouache capture Immi’s frozen world.” ―School Library Journal
“Littlewood’s story shows how people around the world are interconnected.” ―Library Media Connection
“A perfect story for a holiday read-aloud and for all year around.” ―Deseret News
“Young readers will find joy in this simple tale of gift giving.” ―New Jersey Family Magazine
“All too often we live our lives cut off from others, not seeing their troubles, and not reaching out to them in friendship. This beautiful picture book celebrates the magical moment when we make the effort to connect with another person. It shows us how important it is to reach out to others, even people who live far away. That moment of contact is truly a precious thing.” ―Through the Looking Glass
Awards
Please Touch Museum Annual Book Awards (Best Illustration, Ages 4-7) ―Please Touch Museum, 2012
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2011
Virginia Readers’ Choice (Master List) ―Virginia State Reading Association, 2012-2013
Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, Grades K-2) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2012-2013
Surrey Schools’ Book of the Year (Nominee) ―School District #36 (Surrey), 2011-2012
Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―Washington Library Media Association, 2012
More Details
AR Level: 2.5
F&P: M, Gr 2, Genre F
Lexile: AD560L
Themes: Friendship, Generosity, Interconnectedness
BISAC 1: JUV039060 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Friendship
BISAC 2: JUV037000 JUVENILE FICTION / Fantasy & Magic
BISAC 3: JUV030120 JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Polar Regions
