A young boy from the Nipigon country in Canada longs to travel to the sea. Since he cannot go himself, he carves a canoe with a Native American like himself in it. Naming the little man "Paddle-to-Sea", the boy sets it loose on the melting snow that runs into a mountain stream with a message carved on the bottom about the canoe's origin and destination. Paddle-to-the Sea makes his way through the Great Lakes, down the Niagara Falls and the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic, where his adventure continues.
This Caldecott Honor book is a perfect read-aloud companion for young students of North American geography. Holling describes landscapes, wildlife, the spring thaw, currents on the Great Lakes and a variety of industries associated with lake country. His illustrations are detailed and show the drama of the little toy's exciting journey. A former teacher, Jennifer Minicus is a full-time wife and mother living in Ridgewood, NJ.