South
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
When a lonely fisherman finds an injured bird on his boat, he nurtures it back to health and—since the bird can no longer migrate with its family—charts a course to head south for the winter. Together, the two form a special friendship and enjoy life at sea until both the healing process and the journey must come to an end. In the tradition of the classic Amos & Boris, South is a story about making new friends and the bittersweet process of saying good-bye to the ones we love. It beautifully depicts the power of new beginnings and the freedom in coming home.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A hulking fisherman in a cable-knit sweater discovers a bird (it resembles an arctic tern) huddled on the deck of his ship. He splints its broken wing and makes a bed in his dresser drawer for it: "All that was left to do was wait." As big, wet snowflakes fall, the fisherman realizes that it's time for birds to head south, and he changes course. Painting in pale, weatherworn hues, Duncan (The Adventures of Henry Whiskers) shows the strength of the fisherman's resolve with a view from underneath the boat, where the anchor is dislodged so quickly that fish dart in all directions. The fisherman spies a small, palm-dotted island covered with birds and leaves the tern there with its mates: "It was time to say good-bye." Then the fisherman remembers, with moist eyes, that he has a home to return to as well. Duncan excels at capturing emotion, and his spreads balance cinematic views of ocean life with warm humanity. While it's a wistful read rather than a joyful one, there's quiet pleasure in the intimacy between the solitary man and small bird. Ages 5 7.
