Once, on an alligator--shaped island in the middle of a wide sea, there lived a little girl who loved maps and dreamed of one day knowing other places . . . In another part of the world, at the mouth of a wide bay, there lived an old man who in his youth dreamed of sailing the world and making friends in foreign lands . . . When these two strangers connect through a message in a bottle, their communication inspires a visit that forges a lasting friendship, which expands both their worlds. Based on a true story, Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle is a lyrically written, lushly illustrated portrait of life in rural Cuba that will enchant children and adults alike.
Reviews with the most likes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Star Bright Books for providing me an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This is a lovely story about a girl who lives in Cuba and dreams about knowing other places and cultures.
Her dream comes true when she finds a message in a bottle, from an old man who dreams about sailing the world. They establish a beautiful pen pall relationship and become friends until today.
I loved that this book is based on a true story and shares little pieces of Cuban culture, such a the Cascos the toranja recipe. The drawings are beautiful and perfectly complement the story.
Arletis still hasn't visit US which serves as a reminder of the impacts of the US embargo.
I recommend this book to children with more than 6 years. It can be a great support to explain different cultures, different political views and regimes and its impacts on its citizens.
