Anna fetches water from the spring every day, but she can't carry it on her head like her older brothers and sisters. In this charming and poetic family story set in Jamaica, Commonwealth Prize-wi
Anna fetches water from the spring every day, but she can't carry it on her head like her older brothers and sisters. In this charming and poetic family story set in Jamaica, Commonwealth Prize-winning author Olive Senior shows young readers the power of determination, as Anna achieves her goal and overcomes her fear.
Olive Senior grew up in Jamaica and was educated in Jamaica and Canada. She is the winner of many awards, including the Commonwealth Prize and the Institute of Jamaica's Gold Medal for her poetry. She lives in Toronto.
Laura James
is an award-winning artist and self-taught painter of Antiguan heritage. Working as a professional artist and illustrator for many years, she is best known for her illustrations for the Book of the Gospels: a lectionary, published by LTP Press. She was born in New York City, where she now lives.
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"This is a gentle story about growing up. Anna's goal is simple, but the text doesn't trivialize her frustration at not being able to carry water the "grown-up" way. Senior's use of repetition keeps the narrative bouncing along and, though the solution comes a bit suddenly, the ending will encourage young readers who are struggling with similar frustrations and fears. New York artist Laura James's stunning illustrations, which include detailed backgrounds complete with vibrant birds, animals, and plants, capture the beauty and colour of the Jamaican landscape, as well as the warmth of Anna's family. We see the climax of Anna's arrival home just as she does, with her whole family smiling in amazement and joyfully welcoming her. Anna?s triumph will delight young readers."
— Quill & Quire
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