Teacup
Rebecca Young, Author
Matt Ottley, Illustrator
Dial Books for Young Readers, Fiction, Oct. 4, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Leaving Home, Sea, Immigrant, Hope
Opening: Once there was a boy who had to leave his home…and find another.
Synopsis: A boy has to leave his home and sets off on a journey into the unknown with a backpack, a book, a bottle, a blanket and a teacup filled with the earth from his homeland. His life at sea changes daily. Some days the sea is gentle and other days it is rough and unforgiving. Some days the light is bright and some nights are so dark he wishes to see the stars. He listens to the call of the whales and watches changing cloud formations. One day a sprout appears in his teacup. It grows into a tree that gives him shelter, apples to eat and branches to climb so he can search the horizon for land. The boy finally finds land and he makes it home. He is alone, until…
Why I like this book:
Rebecca Young has written an inspiring and timely tale with spare text, allowing readers to use their imaginations. The language is poetic and hints at the mystery and wonder of the boy’s journey. She doesn’t say why the boy has to leave his home, which leaves this book open for age-appropriate discussions about the reasons people leave their homes. The fact that the boy has to leave his home, makes readers wonder if the boy is an immigrant or refugee. Perhaps he is pursuing a dream. There are many possibilities. This story can also be used to discuss topics like moving, separation, divorce, and homelessness. This is book for all ages and the perfect bedtime story. The conclusion is very satisfying and hopeful. Matt Ottley’s oil paintings are luminous and show the light and darkness, the loneliness and joy of the boy’s journey.
Resources: This is an excellent discussion book for home and school. Why did the boy leave his home? Ask children to identify reasons. How did the boy feel sailing in the small rowboat on the endless ocean? How would they feel sailing in a rowboat on the sea? Encourage them to use their imaginations and make up a short story or draw a picture about their ideas.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
I LOVE the color palette of the cover illustration, and also the idea of leaving the story so open ended. These books make great springboards to classroom discussions. It sounds like it is almost magical realism.
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Yes, it borders on magical realism. The illustrations are breathtaking!
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I’m looking forward to reading this book. Very timely in light of recent political events. The cover illustration is beyond gorgeous. Great review!
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Yes, that is why I reviewed this book. It is timely and I want to review more books with immigrant themes. The illustrations are breathtaking!
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I have yet to read or review Teacup, but it is high on my list. This is a wonderful review of a very timely book. Thank you!
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It is a treasure and you will love this timely book. Hope you review it!
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I definitely will, and reference your review!
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I really enjoyed this book also. And how can you resist that gorgeous cover?
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You can’t! The cover grabbed my attention immediately. Breathtaking illustrations with a timely theme.
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I haven’t seen this book yet. The magical touches sound like they bring the timely/timeless story to life.
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Yes, the magic does bring this story to life.
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Among the items the boy packs for his journey, the teacup filled with earth surprised me most. I’m looking forward to reading this very special book.
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The cup of his earth (his homeland) is essential to the story.
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The spare cover and layout makes me want to dissect this. Thanks for the recommendation.
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You will really enjoy this book. It gives you a lot to think about. Such a great discussion book.
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That cover pulled me in immediately. This timely story sounds evocative; I will check it out. Thanks for sharing!
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Gabi, I think you will love the book as much as I did.
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What a gorgeous cover! And I love it when the author leaves an opening for the reader to wonder and question.
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It is a stunning book that is timely. So many opportunities for discussions with children.
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That cover is sublime!
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Knew you would love the breathtaking cover and illustrations.
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Oh my this story has so many layers. Thanks for the review. Definitely must read it.
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Yes, it does. I loved it right away because teachers and parents can use it in many different ways.
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Very interesting book. I look forward to reading this one.
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I think you will enjoy this beautiful and timely book.
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I love, love, love this book. It’s up there with Shaun Tan’s The Red Tree as one of the most beautiful, powerful books on my shelf. I would frame every page and hang it on my wall if I could.
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Yes, I agree. There is so much to love about this book. Thanks for the recommendation of The Red Tree — haven’t read it.
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A teacup of soil from home. Brilliant! Sounds very touching.
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The boy had to take something to remind him of home. It is a brilliant idea and important to the story.
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They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can definitely be lured in by the cover and I’m lured! I’ll be look for this one at the library. Thank you for sharing, Pat! Happy Friday!
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LOL! I guess I was lured to! I fell in love with this book immediately. You will especially enjoy the artwork.
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This sounds like a masterful story.
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It is Erik. I think you would enjoy studying it. It is so beautiful and timely!
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This looks like a book that should be treasured for the illustrations alone, but it sounds intriguing and I love the idea of a story that gives scope for one’s own imagination to round out.
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It is a book with breathtaking illustrations. Such a beautiful and timely story! The illustrations carry the story, so there is a lot of time for kids to use their imaginations.
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