Two children half a world away from each other are connected in an unexpected way in this timeless, fanciful story
Way, way up north in a snow-covered frozen world, a young girl breaks a hole in the ice and fishes for her supper. But instead of a fish, at the end of the line is a small, brightly painted wooden bird. She ties it onto her necklace, next to a small wooden bear.
Day after day her fishing pole brings up more colorful surprises from the swirling sea under the frozen ice. She decorates her igloo with the beautiful treasures, and animals come from far and wide to visit with her and share stories of faraway lands. When it is time to move on, she visits the fishing hole one more time and drops the little bear from her necklace into the water.
Faraway, a young boy walks along a beach in the hot, hot sun. He throws a colorful object into the water. Then something catches his eye. There washed up on the beach is a small wooden bear...
Karin Littlewood has crafted a simple, affecting story of how individuals around the world connect and even enrich each other's lives. Her beautiful full-spread watercolor illustrations vibrantly depict the story's shifting locations—from the frozen Arctic to the tropical shoreline, linked together by the vast and diverse world that exists below the sea.
Karin Littlewood has illustrated more than thirty books for children, inlcuding Immi's Gift. Three times nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal, she also illustrated Ellie and the Butterfly Kitten and The Color of Home. Littlewood lives in England
"...a story with a quiet magic and beauty." ?Publishers Weekly, * STARRED REVIEW *
"...skillful painting and the softness of her expressive pencil work beautifully impart this gentle tale..." ?Kirkus Reviews
"...skilled, appealing watercolor-and-pencil illustrations. A warm story that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings on earth." ?Booklist
"Littlewood's story shows how people around the world are interconnected." ?Library Media Connection
"The painterly illustrations done in colored pencil, watercolor, and gouache capture Immi's frozen world..." ?School Library Journal
"A charming story..." ?St. Louis Post Dispatch
"...a perfect story for a holiday read-aloud and for all year around." ?Deseret News
"Littlewood's simple story quickly engages the reader." ?Sunday Eagle
"...Rich in beautiful illustrations, carefully chosen text, and wonderful imaginings, "Immi's Gift" speaks of the ties and possible friendships people around the world can have..." ?Books to Borrow...Books to Buy
"Young readers will find joy in this simple tale of gift giving." ?New Jersey Family Magazine
"...a magical picture book..." ?The Lutheran Online Magazine
"Perfect." ?Harvard Bookstore Holiday Newsletter
"...stunningly profound..." ?Bookmarkable
"...profound and uplifting message..." ?Spirituality and Practice
"...This is an appealing picture book..." ?Pat Zietlow Miller blog
"...All too often we live our lives cut off from others, not seeing their troubles, and not reaching out to them in friendship. This beautiful picture book celebrates the magical moment when we make the effort to connect with another person. It shows us how important it is to reach out to others, even people who live far away. That moment of contact is truly a precious thing." ?Through the Looking Glass blog
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