“Although
set in faraway Sri Lanka, Fullerton’s rhythmic tale holds a universal message:
that even the smallest and youngest among us can summon up the courage to face,
and overcome, the most gargantuan challenges.”—Kirkus ★ Starred Review
It
is time to plant the rice crop in Malini’s Sri Lankan community, and the little
girl is both excited and nervous to help for the first time. What if she does
it wrong? Will she be responsible if the crop fails? When the oxcart rumbles in
loaded with seedlings, she reluctantly agrees to watch the big, imposing animal
while the driver takes a break. Suddenly, the skies go dark with monsoon rain.
A flash flood pours down the road, separating Malini from the driver and her
family. They are shouting for her to run for higher ground, but what about the
rice? Summoning courage she never dreamed she possessed, Malini resolves to
save ox, cart, and seedlings, no matter what it takes.
Award-winning
author Alma Fullerton tells Malini’s story in expressive free verse that
vibrates with emotion and energy. The moods of Sri Lanka’s rainy season come
alive as Kim La Fave, illustrator of the award-winning Shin Chi’s Canoe, uses a fresh style that is both contemporary and
impressionistic to depict the courage of one little girl facing the power of a
monsoon.
“A powerful portrait of a child’s bravery and perseverance.”—The
Horn Book Magazine
“La Fave’s richly colored illustrations dramatically
and effectively convey the contrast between the calm, sunny day and the
intensity of the storm.”—School Library Journal
