Ottley's exquisite, expansive oil paintings of the small boy in his boat, bravely rowing against roiling waves, capture a vulnerable aloneness. 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. In time, a sturdy apple tree grows in his teacup and provides shelter, shade, and food. 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. His solo sea journey is fraught with danger, and loneliness plagues him in the dark.

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. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title. 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. until another traveler joins him, bearing the seed to build a new home. At last, the boy finds land, but it doesn't feel complete. And some days, the smallest amount of hope grows into something glorious. Some days, storms threaten to overturn his boat. Some days, the journey is peaceful, and the skies are cloudless and bright. He brings with him a teacup full of earth from the place where he grew up, and sets off to sea. “A lyrical tale of leaving home and finding a new one.Thought-provoking and arrestingly beautiful.”Ī boy must leave his home and find another. A stunning picture book that addresses life’s big journeys with hope, beauty, and reassurance

Teacup by rebecca young