A single pearl

Donna Jo Napoli, 1948-

Book - 2013

"A simple grain of sand undergoes an inspiring transformation"--

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jE/Napoli
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Subjects
Genres
Picture books
Published
New York : Disney/Hyperion Books [2013]
Language
English
Main Author
Donna Jo Napoli, 1948- (-)
Other Authors
Jim LaMarche (illustrator)
Edition
First edition
Item Description
"This story was loosely inspired by a medieval Persian poem from The Gulistan of Sa'di"--Page opposite title page.
Physical Description
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 30 cm
ISBN
9781423145578
Contents unavailable.
Review by Booklist Review

Based on a medieval Persian poem, this story of discovering self-worth is told through the emotional journey of a lowly grain of sand. It falls to the bottom of the sea, feeling alone and worthless and ends up in an oyster shell, where it becomes an irritant to its host. But when a diver discovers the oyster and the beautiful pearl inside, everything changes. The pearl is set in the necklace of a beloved daughter, bringing joy and laughter to her and the tiny grain of sand at the pearl's heart. The illustrations move from muted pastels of the sea to warm golden tones once the gem enters the world of humans. The acrylics and colored pencils give fluidity to each drawing; there are no hard edges here. Even as the grain of sand feels lost and alone, his world swirls with life and beauty. This is a thoughtful reminder that everything matters.--Ching, Edie Copyright 2010 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Inspired by a Persian poem, this resonant book from the creators of Albert follows a grain of sand's metamorphosis into a pearl. Napoli's lyrical narrative imbues the tiny grain with emotions. When it becomes lodged in an oyster, it "would have curled in despair, if sand could curl." And as the oyster coats it with shiny layers over the years, forming a shimmering pearl, the grain of sand "felt more and more alone and lost." The melancholy tone lightens considerably after a diver plucks the oyster from the ocean floor and sells the pearl to a prince; he gives it to his wife, who later passes it on to her daughter. The princess treasures the pearl, and the grain of sand finally feels it has reached "home." LaMarche's acrylic and colored pencil illustrations effectively dramatize a remarkable natural transformation and demonstrate a striking sense of light, whether in sunlight filtering down to the seabed or the moonlight under which the princess dances. Although chiefly a story about finding purpose, Napoli's writing gently informs, with subtle details about oysters, fishing, and the creation of pearls. Ages 3-7. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Horn Book Review

A grain of sand in the vast ocean feels worthless. But when it becomes the center of a pearl, later presented to a Persian princess, it knows it's important. While the acrylic paintings create a radiant setting for this softly told story about feeling special (and how pearls are made), the emotions of a grain of sand may not resonate with children. (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review

A potentially charming tale about a perfect pearl that takes form from a simple grain of sand is laden with heavy-handed life lessons. The grain becomes embedded in an oyster and is slowly coated with protective layers until a diver brings it up, discovers the beautiful pearl it has become and sets it on a journey that carries it home to a lovely young princess. The tale might have succeeded as a story of how the pearl became the imperial jewel of Persia, the nominal plot, but Napoli missteps by endowing the grain of sand with deep emotions of hopelessness and helplessness and, eventually, love and joy. The message that each person has the ability to change and grow is clearly intended to be uplifting and encouraging. However, all the changes to the grain of sand come about naturally: It does not make itself into a pearl; that outcome is accomplished by the oyster and time. Moreover, a pearl has no value beyond what humans place upon it. The princess loves the pearl, certainly with no thought to the grain of sand at its center. LaMarche's lovely illustrations, rendered in acrylic paint and colored pencil in a palette of pink, purple and turquoise, with appropriately luminescent pearls, transcend the weaknesses of the text. A well-meaning tale is overwhelmed by an over-the-top attempt at inspiration. (Picture book. 4-7)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.