A child in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam sets off for his first day of the school year, both excited and nervous to be making the trip alone for the first time. He journeys by boat, and as he paddles out across the water and then through the mangrove forest, he describes the trip, and the plants and animals he encounters, in school-related metaphors. “I get to trace the edges of my path—do it for myself, write my name across the blackboard of the river.” The final stretch takes him through schools of fish, and past water buffalo bellowing their welcome near the shore. A journey unusual to most western readers ends on a familiar note as he arrives and greets his classmates: “Hello, friends!” Digitally created illustrations are especially effective showing the beauty and biodiversity of the Mekong River. Back matter includes information about the Mekong Delta where, the creators note, “water shapes [people’s] relationship with everything in their daily life.” (Ages 4-8)

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.