About the Book
"Although
set in faraway Sri Lanka, Fullerton's rhythmic tale holds a universal message:
that even the smallest and youngest among us can summon up the courage to face,
and overcome, the most gargantuan challenges."--Kirkus ★ Starred Review
It
is time to plant the rice crop in Malini's Sri Lankan community, and the little
girl is both excited and nervous to help for the first time. What if she does
it wrong? Will she be responsible if the crop fails? When the oxcart rumbles in
loaded with seedlings, she reluctantly agrees to watch the big, imposing animal
while the driver takes a break. Suddenly, the skies go dark with monsoon rain.
A flash flood pours down the road, separating Malini from the driver and her
family. They are shouting for her to run for higher ground, but what about the
rice? Summoning courage she never dreamed she possessed, Malini resolves to
save ox, cart, and seedlings, no matter what it takes.
Award-winning
author
Alma Fullerton tells Malini's story in expressive free verse that
vibrates with emotion and energy. The moods of Sri Lanka's rainy season come
alive as
Kim La Fave, illustrator of the award-winning
Shin Chi's Canoe, uses a fresh style that is both contemporary and
impressionistic to depict the courage of one little girl facing the power of a
monsoon.
"A powerful portrait of a child's bravery and perseverance."--The
Horn Book Magazine "La Fave's richly colored illustrations dramatically
and effectively convey the contrast between the calm, sunny day and the
intensity of the storm."--School Library JournalAbout the Author:
Alma Fullerton's free-verse novels for juvenile and young adult
readers have earned her multiple nominations and awards, including the Ruth and
Sylvia Schwartz Award and the CLA Book of the Year Honor. Her first picture
book,
A Good Trade, was a White Ravens Choice, a Bank Street Best
Book, and a nominee for the OLA Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award and the
Kentucky Bluegrass Awards. Alma lives in Midland, Ontario.
Kim La Fave is a multi-award-winning illustrator and
designer in paint, pencils, or digital media. His honors include the Governor
General's Literary Award for Illustration, the TD Canadian Children's
Literature Award, the Ruth Schwartz Children's Book Award, and the Amelia
Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award. A graduate of the Alberta College of
Art, Kim also honed his skills in Toronto and New York before returning to
British Columbia where he now lives with his wife and family.
