World of Water, World of Light
by Vicki Spandel

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Amidst Maui’s white-sand beaches and sparkling blue waters, Mako’s life changes forever in one electrifying instant when she finds herself inches from a profoundly inquisitive young humpback, Koholā. The two lock eyes, forming a bond that launches them on a unique journey of wonder and discovery. With a special glossary of Hawaiian terms and fascinating insights into Hawaiian history, marine life, and classic literature, this coming-of-age tale is both an adventure and an educational treasure. Mako’s and Koholā’s interwoven stories take us into a whole new undersea world, bridging a gap that may not be as wide as we thought.

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"Buoyant, engaging, and magical, with characters that linger." —Kirkus Reviews "I was enthralled by this story of the friendship between a young girl and a young whale. Though this is fiction, the tale speaks a truth that many of us intuitively know: that connections between even very disparate species are both deeper and more complex than many scientists and philosophers are willing to admit. The characters are unforgettable, and their story revealing and meaningful." —Sy Montgomery, naturalist and award-winning author of The Soul of an Octopus, How to Be a Good Creature, and many other books for adults and children "A gentle, yet forceful book that pulls you forward like the wake of a humpback whale. Spandel creates rich characters with authentic voices that put the reader in touch with what’s truly important in life while celebrating the astonishing beauty and richness of our planet. Surprising plot twists, meaningful relationships, and a quiet sense of optimism make World of Water, World of Light a wonderful place to spend some time—something we and young readers need now more than ever." —Sneed B. Collard III, author of Dog 4491 and Orbis Pictus Winner, Border Crossings "In World of Water A World of Light, master storyteller Vicki Spandel seamlessly weaves fiction and nonfiction into the remarkable story of Mako, an adolescent searching for answers; Kimo, her great-uncle and dispenser of wisdom; and Koholā, a young humpback whale fighting to stay alive while learning to communicate with humans. The author’s remarkable use of language keeps the story lively and engaging, while effective use of Hawaiian vocabulary creates authenticity. Karen Duplisea’s charcoal illustrations are brilliant, crafting clear images that add depth. If you read only one book this summer, make it this one." —Fred Wolff, author of The Write Direction and script writer for Telling Their Stories: NH Holocaust Survivors Speak Out

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Vicki Spandel is an experienced writer and educator with a passion for storytelling and teaching. She has traveled extensively to Hawaii, where she conducted writing workshops for hundreds of local teachers and spent months exploring the ocean, whale-watching, and snorkeling, often listening to the enchanting songs of whales—experiences that inspired her to write this book. Spandel has received many accolades for her writing, including a Telly Award for her script “Seeing with New Eyes” and a Best Chapter Book of the Year award from Kirkus for No Ordinary Cat (2021). She is also the author of many books on the craft of writing, including Creating Writers and The 9 Rights of Every Writer, as well as the Singular Cat Series: No Ordinary Cat, Finding Waihona, and Asha, Queen of Cats. She now lives with her husband, Jerry, in Sisters, Oregon, where they share their home with local wildlife. She continues to enjoy hiking, biking, gardening, and cross-country skiing. Karen Duplisea is an accomplished artist, professional dancer, and former associate professor of dance at a university theater school. She now brings that same graceful movement and expression onto the surface of a canvas, moving freely between genres, mediums, and subjects in charcoal, acrylics, and oil. “Still dancing!” as she puts it. Duplisea calls her work on World of Water, World of Light, the first book she has illustrated, a remarkable journey. When she read the manuscript for World of Water; World of Light with an artist’s eye, the images “just poured out.” While charcoal might be an unconventional choice for middle grade chapter books, Duplisea feels it captures the drama and spirit of the story. She currently lives with her husband, Jeff, in Toronto.

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Contributors

Author

Vicki Spandel

Illustrator

Karen Duplisea

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FriesenPress Editions

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