Nunu and the Sea - by Isabella Kung (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A misunderstood girl with overwhelming emotions creates an origami boat and journeys to the sea where she can feel free"--

Book Synopsis

In this whimsical picture book, a misunderstood girl with overwhelming emotions creates an origami boat and journeys to sea where she can feel free. Fans of Where the Wild Things Are will adore this fantastical tale of big feelings and boundless imagination.

"Nunu reminds all of us that emotions can feel as big and as vast as the sea--if we hold tightly and sail on, the way forward becomes clear."--Cori Doerrfeld, author-illustrator of The Rabbit Listened

"A powerful journey through the highs and lows of emotions, reminding us all of the strength found in rebuilding ourselves."--Cindy Derby, Caldecott honoree

Nunu doesn't understand, so when her emotions feel too big for her, she makes her boat out of paper origami and sails away. Out at sea, she navigates somewhere new and with the help of her origami friends, she is able to mend what is broken and find her way home.

With exquisite, immersive illustrations, this near-wordless picture book is an ode to big emotions, origami, and the hope inside all of us.

Review Quotes

★ "Kung has deftly folded her own magic into evocative prose and mesmerizing artwork that enchants in its simplicity....Captivating." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "The story reminds readers that feelings come naturally in waves and that little ones have the strength to ride through them with loved ones by their side....a metaphor for readers, showing them that like a house, a heart can repair and heal with time." --The Bulletin, starred review

★ "This sensitive, engaging book acknowledges overwhelming feelings and offers a compassionate nudge toward healthy coping mechanisms." --The Horn Book, starred review

"It would be easy to get lost in the beautiful artwork of Nunu and the Sea and forget the rest of the story, but it's worth it to follow along: We can all use these empathetic teachings about finding a way through big feelings, moving forward and making amends." --BookPage

"A strong choice for SEL collections geared toward children navigating difficult feelings." --Booklist

About the Author

Isabella Kung is the author-illustrator of No, Fuzzball! and No, Snowball!, and the illustrator of ABC Cats and 123 Cats. She also teaches illustration at Storyteller Academy and Etchr Lab. Isabella resides in San Francisco with her husband and two adorable cats.