First published 1980
A young Indian boy shapes a small wooden canoe and places a tiny figure inside. He calls his creation Paddle-to-the-Sea and sets it on its way through the wilderness. Paddle begins an epic voyage that carries him across all five Great Lakes toward the distant Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, the little wooden traveler encounters storms, rapids, and the busy world of ships and harbors. He witnesses the seasonal changes of the northern landscape and meets people who help him continue his journey. Paddle faces the constant danger of being lost, broken, or forgotten as he moves through this vast water system. His adventure becomes a test of endurance against the powerful forces of nature. The story follows Paddle's determined progress as he moves closer to his ultimate destination, carrying with him the hopes and dreams of the boy who carved him and sent him on this remarkable journey to the sea.
Genres: fiction, classics, adventure
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, whimsical
Tropes: epic-journey, personification
Setting: Great Lakes, Atlantic Ocean
Period: 20th-century
64 pages · Library Binding · Turtleback Books