TECKENTRUP, BRITTA
Ella is sitting in her little boat in the middle of the deepest, darkest part of the ocean thats miles from anywhere. Theres no wind and the waves are still. Too frightened to set sail, it takes a white bird emerging from the sky and carrying a lantern to help her find her courage to set off and see where her journey takes her
Britta Teckentrups self-illustrated picture book is a beautiful, lyrical story about finding your courage and conquering adversity. The illustrations are gorgeous and the message about persevering because there will always be someone to help you is a sensible one. Although the central metaphor may go over young readers heads, it does give them something to talk about with parents/care-givers, which adds a dimension to the book.