Author(s): Alma Fullerton; Kim La Fave (Illustrator)

Picture | Diversity

"Althoughset 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

Itis time to plant the rice crop in Malini's Sri Lankan community, and the littlegirl is both excited and nervous to help for the first time. What if she doesit wrong? Will she be responsible if the crop fails? When the oxcart rumbles inloaded with seedlings, she reluctantly agrees to watch the big, imposing animalwhile 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 herfamily. They are shouting for her to run for higher ground, but what about therice? Summoning courage she never dreamed she possessed, Malini resolves tosave ox, cart, and seedlings, no matter what it takes.

Award-winningauthor Alma Fullerton tells Malini's story in expressive free verse thatvibrates with emotion and energy. The moods of Sri Lanka's rainy season comealive as Kim La Fave, illustrator of the award-winning Shin Chi's Canoe, uses a fresh style that is both contemporary andimpressionistic to depict the courage of one little girl facing the power of amonsoon.

"A powerful portrait of a child's bravery and perseverance."--TheHorn Book Magazine

"La Fave's richly colored illustrations dramaticallyand effectively convey the contrast between the calm, sunny day and theintensity of the storm."--School Library Journal

Author Biography: Alma Fullerton was first known for her award-winning free-verse novels for juvenile and young-adult readers, including the Governor General's Award-nominated Libertad. Since then, her picture books about children around the world have also won national and international awards, including a White Ravens Choice and a Bank Street Best Book for A Good Trade, and a USBBY Outstanding International Book for When the Rain Comes. Most recently, No More Plastic! was an honor book for the Green Earth Book Award and a finalist for both the OLA Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award and the SYRCA Shining Willow Award. Alma lives in Prince Edward Island with her husband and her service dog, Gibson. Kim La Fave is a multi-award-winning illustrator and designer in paint, pencils, or digital media. His honors include the Governor General's Literary Award for Illustration, the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, the Ruth Schwartz Children's Book Award, and the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award. A graduate of the Alberta College of Art, Kim also honed his skills in Toronto and New York before returning to British Columbia where he now lives with his wife and family.