The First Boat

International award winner! A beautifully illustrated story book for kids 4-8 about the importance of nature and community, from Nobel Prize winner José Saramago.

The sea is the universe close to us.

Here is the story of a man who lives at the water’s edge watching the rise and fall of the shoreline. It is the sea itself that gives him everything he needs to survive, and yet it will take courage to enter the sometimes roaring waters. The man knows that this sea that gives him everything, can also take it away, but with the help of friends and with patience, he knows the sea can be a balm and a source of life. A poetic story that will resonate with anyone who has spent time near the sea, listening to the sound of the waves.

With bright and beautiful water color art by Amanda Mijangos, this simple story from the Notebooks of Nobelist Saramago, will excite and intrigue the youngest readers—and all of those who read along with them.