Teacup - Hardcover

Young, Rebecca

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0735227772 ISBN 13: 9780735227774

Publisher: Dial Books, 2016

Synopsis

A stunning picture book that addresses life’s big journeys with hope, beauty, and reassurance

School Library Journal [STARRED REVIEW!]  
“[A] moving, allegorical tale… inspiring reflection and empathy”
 
Kirkus Reviews [STARRED REVIEW!] 
“A potent discussion starter… Enchanting, beautiful, and full of hope. “
 
Booklist [STARRED REVIEW!]  
“A lyrical tale of leaving home and finding a new one…Thought-provoking and arrestingly beautiful.”

A boy must leave his home and find another. He brings with him a teacup full of earth from the place where he grew up, and sets off to sea. Some days, the journey is peaceful, and the skies are cloudless and bright. Some days, storms threaten to overturn his boat. And some days, the smallest amount of hope grows into something glorious. At last, the boy finds land, but it doesn't feel complete . . . until another traveler joins him, bearing the seed to build a new home.
 
With lyrical text and gorgeous artwork, this poignant picture book is perfect for discussing all of life’s toughest challenges—a big move, a divorce, long-distance separation, or even the current refugee crisis—in a way that’s reassuring and inspiring for children and adults alike.

About this title

About the Author

Rebecca Young grew up in suburban Sydney with two brothers, a swing set, and the scent of gardenias. Her days were filled with chalk drawings on driveways, backyard battles, journal ramblings, and a whole lot of picture books. These days Rebecca enjoys working with words and pictures as both a children’s book author and publisher.
 
Matt Ottley is an illustrator and musician living in New South Wales, Australia, with his partner in a peaceful little cottage. He was born in Papua New Guinea, and loves woodworking, tea, and wildlife.

Reviews

PreS-Gr 3—In this moving, allegorical tale, a young boy searches for a new homeland, taking with him only a book, bottle, blanket, and teacup full of earth from where he used to play. His solo sea journey is fraught with danger, and loneliness plagues him in the dark. The child finds comfort in the way the whales sing to one another, stirring memories of how his mother used to call him in for tea. In time, a sturdy apple tree grows in his teacup and provides shelter, shade, and food. After the boy puts down roots in a new land, hope and friendship appear on the horizon when a girl with a broken eggcup arrives. Ottley's exquisite, expansive oil paintings of the small boy in his boat, bravely rowing against roiling waves, capture a vulnerable aloneness. The language is spare and poetic, and many words and images will linger with readers, inspiring reflection and empathy: "The way the clouds slowly swam into view/reminded him of how things/can change/with a whisper." VERDICT A beautifully crafted story that's perfect for sharing aloud and discussing with a small group.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont., Canada

Edition details

• Publisher: Dial Books
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0735227772
• ISBN 13: 9780735227774
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Ottley Matt
• Number of pages: 40