One-Button and the Sea

A poignant collaboration between author and artist, celebrating the importance of community and the power of hope.

'Grandpa, tell me the story again of when we went to sea.
That's a BIG story, One-Button.
How does it begin?
It begins with the uprooting . . .'

And so Grandpa tells the story of how he and One-Button and their whole community were uprooted from their everyday lives, and how they all had to take to sea in different boats. Sometimes the sea was dangerous and they were frightened, sometimes it was calm and they felt peaceful, sometimes they had fun watching films, singing and knitting…. But always they helped each other - and always they kept their spirits up together.

Until one day, the 'change' happened and they were able to return home and resume their previous lives ... different, but the same.

 

Praise for this book:

'A wonderful debut from Sara Stanley and another brilliantly illustrated picture book from award winning illustrator Vivianne Schwarz. Recommended for all primary school classrooms.' Just Imagine

'The story can be read in a multitude of ways and provides so many openings for conversation and discussion. Each question One-Button asks is an opportunity for readers to consider the answer and provide their own. The sea journey too can be so many things: a journey undertaken by refugees, by those avoiding climate change, or is it a metaphor for grief and recovery or for life itself? In addition to posing questions, text and illustrations provide reassurance, moments of comfort and comedy, and a sense of the unending nature of things. A big story indeed, and one that is highly recommended.' Books for Keeps

'The key message that every community needs familiarity, contact and support shine through on every page.' Reading Zone

'This is a lovely story for introducing ideas of displacement with young readers. The peril of the sea and the emotions of each character are beautifully illustrated with appealing splashes of colour. There is so much to look at and discuss.' Scope for Imagination

'Highly recommended for reading with EYFS and KS1 children, and for discussing to encourage empathy. A beautifully written and illustrated modern fable.' School Reading List

'An outstanding, evocative story explaining challenging concepts to young readers and it is filled with beautiful illustrations from Viviane Schwarz.' Armadillo Magazine

 

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