Synopses & Reviews
An adaptation of Esko-Pekka Tiitinens internationally known childrens play, the story of endangered species from all over the world coming together to save the planet instills in children the importance of being environmentally conscious. An elderly owl and a whale help a dove make the long journey home to Africa, but once they arrive, they find that a desert has taken over the once-lush forest. With the cooperation of other animals, a human, the sun, the water, and a favorable wind, they can sow the seeds of life again. This beautifully illustrated fable deals with many themes, including solidarity, respect for nature, overcoming obstacles by helping one another, and the benefits of teamwork.
Review
"Realistically rendered animals are foregrounded, as on a stage, while Rothko-like backgrounds provide an aura of fantasy. The vibrant palette, strong contrast between warm and cool tones and sophisticated layering of colors effectively convey the splendor of nature." —www.KirkusReviews.com
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"Tiitinen creates a hopeful atmosphere with soulful animals set against compositions of blazing fire and cool earth tones." —Publishers Weekly (March 19, 2012)
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"subtle and soothing"—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Review
"A gentle, thoughtful tale of working together and of the miracles of nature, Drops of Life is also gorgeously decorated with sweeping, dramatic water-colored pages." —Lee Littlewood with Creators Syndicate
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"This book teaches children not only an appreciation for nature, but that when we work together we can accomplish much more"—"One Mama's Daily Drama" blog
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"A great introduction to the care of the Earth." —The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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"[illustrator] Nikolai Tiitinen combines bright and vibrant colors with rich, earthy tones. The blended backgrounds emphasize the fantastic nature of the characters and plot." —Once Upon a Book blog
Synopsis
Winner at the 2012 Living Now Book Awards An owl accompanies a dove on a long journey to her birthplace in Africa. They undertake part of the voyage on the back of a whale, who helps them when he sees that flying makes the old owl tired. Once they arrive at their destination, they find that sand has taken over the area--where a lush forest once stood, there's now nothing but desert They will need the cooperation of other animals, a human, the sun, the water and a favorable wind in order to sow the seeds of life once more.
This beautiful story talks about solidarity, respect for nature, overcoming obstacles by helping one another, and the benefits of teamwork.
Guided Reading Level: R, Lexile Level: 720L
About the Author
Esko-Pekka Tiitinen is an award-winning Finnish author and artist. He has written more than 20 books in addition to opera librettos, television scripts, and plays for theater and radio. His childrens play Drops of Life has been performed in more than 80 countries and supports the campaign of ENO (Environment Online), a global virtual school and network for sustainable development. Nikolai Tiitinen is an award-winning graphic designer and illustrator. His illustrations for Drops of Life won third place at the Mikkeli Illustration Triennial.