Sail

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Synopsis:

“Out at sea anything can happen: whether trials or triumphs, there are infinite possibilities to explore once we leave the shore. And what lies under the water’s surface, in the darkest depths, can often lead to the most beautiful discoveries. 

With gentle wisdom and dynamic art that will sweep you away, remarkable debut talent Dorien Brouwers beckons us to climb aboard and discover the courage, grit, and resilience that resides within us all. Ideal for all ages and filled with universal themes, the story also features a set of questions at the end that will invite parent-child conversations and encourage readers to explore their own life journeys.”

Review:

The first thing that struck me when I opened this book were the illustrations. The ocean waves, the spray against the boat, the wind whipping through the sails – the illustrations are very powerful. The blue-green color palette and the amount of movement pulls you right into the the boat with the little boy.

Even as the seas get rough, the rhyming text provides some comfort to the reader. In each stanza, one word has a different font and color. I’d love for a classroom of kids to break up into groups and decide why that specific word is more prominent. I think this story is great for reflection and as the publisher points out a great graduation gift as well. The journey of life is going to get rough, but there are smooth days too and how you manage each is important.

Verdict:

A wonderful conversation starter for elementary school students about perserverance, courage, and self-awareness, Sail is a classroom must-have.

If you’re interested in purchasing Sail by Dorien Brouwers, please use my affiliate links for Bookshop.org or Amazon.com. When you purchase from either of these links, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.

Need to Know:

Title: Sail
Author: Dorien Brouwers
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 9, 2021
Page Number: 40 pgs.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.