A Drop of the Sea by Ingrid Chabbert - ESSENTIAL

A Drop of the Sea by Ingrid Chabbert, illustrated by Guridi. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2018. $17. 9781525301247

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Illustrated in a sparse color scheme, this is the story of Ali and his grandma who live in the desert. Ali’s grandma is getting older and having a hard time walking, and as they are talking, Ali learns that his grandma has lived a wonderful life but she has one unfulfilled dream to see the sea. This sets Ali out on a journey, walking for days, to find the sea and bring a bucketful back to his grandma. Only a drop remains when Ali returns, but the grandma declare this one of the most beautiful days of her life. 

This book is a beautiful portrait of an intergenerational relationships as well as a nice portrait of what appears to be the middle east. The grandma wears a hijab and the houses are described as being made of clay. I think this is an easy entry point into a new culture for young readers. My kids were transfixed during the reading. It was originally published in France. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher