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Product Description A visually stunning story of resilience and determination by an award-winning new author-illustrator team, perfect for back to school. This is no ordinary first journey. The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta, and An, a young Vietnamese boy, sets out alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar. On the way, he is confronted by giant crested waves, heavy rainfall and eerie forests where fear takes hold of him. Although daunted by the dark unknown, An realizes that he is not alone and continues to paddle. He knows it will all be worth it when he reaches his destination--one familiar to children all over the world. From School Library Journal K-Gr 3-A Vietnamese boy sets out on a journey in his little wooden boat on "the great river, Mother Mekong." This is his first time making this trip alone, and he leads us through open waves, mangrove trees, the darkness of the unknown, bright open skies, schools of fish, and water buffalo until he reaches his destination: school, on his very first day. Quang and Lien take readers through a visually breathtaking expedition filled with highs and lows. The phenomenal artwork enhances the poetic language of this young boy's trip and lets readers follow along, experiencing his fears, hopes, and joy. The story also provides an informative look at life along the Mekong River during "floating season," from the mangrove forests to the animals that he encounters on his trip. The digitized pen-and-ink illustrations are presented in wide, panoramic scenes, enhancing the majestic, almost cinematic quality of the images. Back matter includes further information from the author/illustrator duo, facts about the Mekong River, and a simple map. VERDICT Highly recommended for all collections.-Kristyn Dorfman, The Nightingale-Bamford Sch., New York Cityα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review "Enthralling, uplifting: a celebration of everyday heroes’ journeys in the quest for education and learning." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review “ A particularly propulsive, cinematic story.” — BookPage, starred review “A lively journey that’s interesting in its own right…” — The Bulletin, starred review “ Dazzle[s]…. Quang and Liên celebrate the beauty and wealth of the Mekong River.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review About the Author Phung Nguyen Quang and Huynh Kim Lien are book creators who live and work together in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Quang and Lien are currently working on illustrations for a number of children's titles to be published in Vietnam and Europe.