Seaside Dream

Description:

In this tender story of immigration, a young girl finds a way to give her grandmother the perfect present and the courage to plan a trip to her home country, Cape Verde.

Brief description:

Janet Costa Bates has been recognized by Highlights for Children as an Author of the Month. Her prize-winning fiction has been published in Highlights and in Pockets magazine. Seaside Dream was inspired by Bates's grandmother, who came to the United States from Cape Verde. Like Cora and Grandma in the story, Bates loves to spend time at the beach. This is her first book. She lives with her family in Massachusetts and can be found on the Web at janetcostabates.com.

Review Quotes:

"A moving portrayal of a grandparent-grandchild relationship as well as a distinctive take on universal aspects of immigration." -- Kirkus Reviews

"First-time author Bates debuts with a story, inspired by her own family history, about relationships that stretch across many years and great distances. . . . The close-knit nature of Cora's family shines through in Bates's prose, which is peppered with references to Cape Verdean cuisine and traditions. . . . the beach setting is vibrant and lush, and the strength of Cora and her grandmother's relationship emanates from nearly every page." -- Publishers Weekly

"Davis's realistic acrylic paintings are filled with warmth and the colors of the sea. The marvelous illustrations have vigor and the tidbits of Cape Verdean culture make this picture book valuable for multicultural representation." -- School Library Journal

New Voices Award Honor - Lee & Low Books