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One Boy's Choice

A Tale of the Amazon

Illustrated by Annika Siems
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Hardcover
$17.99 US
9.63"W x 11.63"H x 0.35"D   | 16 oz | 30 per carton
On sale Sep 29, 2020 | 32 Pages | 9781662650031
Age 3-7 years | Preschool - 2
Reading Level: Lexile AD560L | Fountas & Pinnell N
On the bank of a river in the Amazon, a boy learns from his grandfather about a father fish that cares for his offspring, and the importance of preserving the species for future generations.

A little boy of the Amazon is excited to go on his first fishing trip with his grandad. He wants to catch the biggest fish! After hours of drifting among the water-lilies, at last they capture a huge Arowana. But, as Grandad explains, sometimes catching the biggest fish isn't the best way to preserve the river's bounty. This is a story of environmental awareness that also touches on fatherhood and the importance of living in harmony with nature. Perfect for our times.
  • AWARD
    CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers
A National Council for the Social Studies
CBC Notable Trade Book

“The understated story allows readers to see a community living close to the natural world and they will appreciate a tale in which a young person has an important decision to make." -- The Horn Book 

"Menezes’s words and Siems’s portraits of the Amazon’s miraculous profusion of life make readers long to know more." -- Publishers Weekly  

"A thoughtful contemplation on how our actions affect life on our planet." -- Kirkus Reviews

★★★★★”Simple yet nuanced…. The story is all the more thought-provoking because of the detailed earth-toned watercolor illustrations that depict the beauty of the Amazon and the wild and plant life that call it home….Young readers who enjoy "eco-fiction" will find this to be an enjoyable read. Those wishing to introduce youngsters to more diverse selections will appreciate the indigenous characters and the Amazon backdrop." --
Youth Services Review

"Lovely illustrations provide the perfect backdrop for this tender story of environmental awareness and the choices we make." -- Kendal Rautzhan, Books to Borrow, Books to Buy, syndicated column

"We read dozens and dozens of books and I love it when I see one make a particular impact on my children….My kiddo was riveted to the story and they were so sweetly impressed with the young boy’s choice of selflessness and sacrifice in the story….rewarding and powerful.” -- Booknerd Mommy

"A beautiful book….highly recommend[ed]. Read it to children, grandchildren and students." -- Kiss the Book Jr. blog
Sueli Menezes, born in the state Amazonas, Brazil, has lived in Austria since 1988. She's an independent artist and author. Ever since her childhood she's had a strong bond with the culture and nature of her birth- place, which she employs in this book. She is the author of minedition's Nino's Magical Night. View titles by Sueli Menezes
Winner of the Global Illustration Award of Excellence in book illustration and a White Raven Award, Annika Siems holds a Master of Science illustration; her inspiration is based on nature and her work has been shown at exhibitions around the world. This is her debut children's book. Visit https://www.annikasiems.com/. View titles by Annika Siems

About

On the bank of a river in the Amazon, a boy learns from his grandfather about a father fish that cares for his offspring, and the importance of preserving the species for future generations.

A little boy of the Amazon is excited to go on his first fishing trip with his grandad. He wants to catch the biggest fish! After hours of drifting among the water-lilies, at last they capture a huge Arowana. But, as Grandad explains, sometimes catching the biggest fish isn't the best way to preserve the river's bounty. This is a story of environmental awareness that also touches on fatherhood and the importance of living in harmony with nature. Perfect for our times.

Awards

  • AWARD
    CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers

Praise

A National Council for the Social Studies
CBC Notable Trade Book

“The understated story allows readers to see a community living close to the natural world and they will appreciate a tale in which a young person has an important decision to make." -- The Horn Book 

"Menezes’s words and Siems’s portraits of the Amazon’s miraculous profusion of life make readers long to know more." -- Publishers Weekly  

"A thoughtful contemplation on how our actions affect life on our planet." -- Kirkus Reviews

★★★★★”Simple yet nuanced…. The story is all the more thought-provoking because of the detailed earth-toned watercolor illustrations that depict the beauty of the Amazon and the wild and plant life that call it home….Young readers who enjoy "eco-fiction" will find this to be an enjoyable read. Those wishing to introduce youngsters to more diverse selections will appreciate the indigenous characters and the Amazon backdrop." --
Youth Services Review

"Lovely illustrations provide the perfect backdrop for this tender story of environmental awareness and the choices we make." -- Kendal Rautzhan, Books to Borrow, Books to Buy, syndicated column

"We read dozens and dozens of books and I love it when I see one make a particular impact on my children….My kiddo was riveted to the story and they were so sweetly impressed with the young boy’s choice of selflessness and sacrifice in the story….rewarding and powerful.” -- Booknerd Mommy

"A beautiful book….highly recommend[ed]. Read it to children, grandchildren and students." -- Kiss the Book Jr. blog

Author

Sueli Menezes, born in the state Amazonas, Brazil, has lived in Austria since 1988. She's an independent artist and author. Ever since her childhood she's had a strong bond with the culture and nature of her birth- place, which she employs in this book. She is the author of minedition's Nino's Magical Night. View titles by Sueli Menezes
Winner of the Global Illustration Award of Excellence in book illustration and a White Raven Award, Annika Siems holds a Master of Science illustration; her inspiration is based on nature and her work has been shown at exhibitions around the world. This is her debut children's book. Visit https://www.annikasiems.com/. View titles by Annika Siems