The Voyage

In this delightful picture book, a small duck finds himself in a place full of unusual creatures who speak an unfamiliar language. Eventually, he meets an animal whose big feet are just like his own. And with a friend by his side, he soon can feel at home. First published in Norway in 2012, this deceptively simple book about adapting to new situations will appeal to children who are just starting school or daycare, children who are about to move to a new home, or children who are learning a new language. The illustrations are gently humorous, while the simple text affirms the importance of knowing who you are and being open to change. Without making unrealistic promises, this story reassures children that, with time, they can adapt to any new environment and make new friends to explore it with. And if, as happens to the little duck in this story, those new friends have to leave, the child, like the little duck, will be able to greet the next wave of newcomers with compassion and generosity.

Veronica Salinas studied theater and Portuguese in Buenos Aires and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Spanish and Portuguese literature at the University of Oslo. The Voyage is her first children’s book. Illustrator Camilla Engman lives and works in Gothenburg, Sweden.