5 stars
While I am waiting (not so patiently) for the release of Tea Dragon Festival, I have started reading the rest of the books Kay O’Neill has worked on, because I absolutely love their ideas and artwork.
This one is one of my favorites.
A) It is gorgeous. The artwork is simply amazing.
B) Wonderful story. I found it to have the perfect amount of complexity in dealing the family relationships, loss, self growth, environmentalism, love, etc. Complex enough, but not overwhelming.
C) The characters were wonderful. Despite her flaws, I want to be Aunt Mae when I grow up. I also loved watching Lana come into herself as the story went on.
D) Superb message about human impact on the environment and the dangerous consequence. Such messages were worked into the story well. Nicely incorporated so that the message is clear without being too in-your-face, which may have been off putting for some readers. Great balance. I also liked that there was an informative section at the end to teach about coral reefs, the damage caused to them, and how to help. A perfect way to end such a story, with a message of hope for the future.
I loved this book. So beautiful and amazing. Absolutely perfect.