The Pre-Loved edit from Shopbop
To share your reaction on this item, open the Amazon app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.
Add Prime to get Fast, Free delivery
Amazon prime logo
Buy new:
-14% $16.39
FREE delivery Monday, January 27 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$16.39 with 14 percent savings
List Price: $18.99
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, January 27 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Tomorrow, January 23. Order within 11 hrs 25 mins.
In Stock
$$16.39 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$16.39
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$6.06
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, January 27 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Friday, January 24. Order within 11 hrs 25 mins.
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$16.39 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$16.39
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Teacup Hardcover – Picture Book, October 4, 2016

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 82 ratings

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$16.39","priceAmount":16.39,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"16","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"39","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"0I5ratf5m88s7h4d4cJca%2B%2FtScrOwNnkp0jps%2FX0IvZ9UXQhj7JDZkYw895VYV7gR3neNebArgfndymwjyLVLm85g9NbdjgAPybpX6kjbF48ayGOLR%2BtwwNXJmQ%2FoLPfEJQ3csEyZj9Boc%2FNHyWOHw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$6.06","priceAmount":6.06,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"6","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"06","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"0I5ratf5m88s7h4d4cJca%2B%2FtScrOwNnk4bp4cIbQM2xNl7v5wRfkMy1MKJS3kx%2B%2FPTzApSxmgDOSmz4xPd9QL%2BvPa7H8Ezmo9mRnfgBdj%2B1rgUEW8n56T9orf9T5W%2F09RWrJYI5m5StR%2FDh8PJ2P5e5Wa3dZVQJMak8bWke1YNdSn%2FdSzGDODNiJSvpjdn1S","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

A stunning picture book that addresses life’s big journeys with hope, beauty, and reassurance

School Library Journal [STARRED REVIEW!]  
“[A] moving, allegorical tale… inspiring reflection and empathy”
 
Kirkus Reviews [STARRED REVIEW!] 
“A potent discussion starter… Enchanting, beautiful, and full of hope. “
 
Booklist [STARRED REVIEW!]  
“A lyrical tale of leaving home and finding a new one…Thought-provoking and arrestingly beautiful.”


A boy must leave his home and find another. He brings with him a teacup full of earth from the place where he grew up, and sets off to sea. Some days, the journey is peaceful, and the skies are cloudless and bright. Some days, storms threaten to overturn his boat. And some days, the smallest amount of hope grows into something glorious. At last, the boy finds land, but it doesn't feel complete . . . until another traveler joins him, bearing the seed to build a new home.
 
With lyrical text and gorgeous artwork, this poignant picture book is perfect for discussing all of life’s toughest challenges—a big move, a divorce, long-distance separation, or even the current refugee crisis—in a way that’s reassuring and inspiring for children and adults alike.
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Frequently bought together

This item: Teacup
$16.39
Get it as soon as Monday, Jan 27
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$10.99
Get it as soon as Monday, Jan 27
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3—In this moving, allegorical tale, a young boy searches for a new homeland, taking with him only a book, bottle, blanket, and teacup full of earth from where he used to play. His solo sea journey is fraught with danger, and loneliness plagues him in the dark. The child finds comfort in the way the whales sing to one another, stirring memories of how his mother used to call him in for tea. In time, a sturdy apple tree grows in his teacup and provides shelter, shade, and food. After the boy puts down roots in a new land, hope and friendship appear on the horizon when a girl with a broken eggcup arrives. Ottley's exquisite, expansive oil paintings of the small boy in his boat, bravely rowing against roiling waves, capture a vulnerable aloneness. The language is spare and poetic, and many words and images will linger with readers, inspiring reflection and empathy: "The way the clouds slowly swam into view/reminded him of how things/can change/with a whisper." VERDICT A beautifully crafted story that's perfect for sharing aloud and discussing with a small group.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont., Canada

Review

* "Enchanting, beautiful, and full of hope."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "While the journey and its inherent uncertainty is naturally a fitting metaphor for growing up, connections to actual sea travel and subtle hints about turmoil in the boy’s homeland suggest connections to immigration stories as well...This pleasantly minimalist and contemplative story is quietly thought-provoking and arrestingly beautiful."—
Booklist, starred review

* "A beautifully crafted story that’s perfect for sharing aloud and discussing with a small group."—
School Library Journal, starred review

"Ottley’s ravishing paintings of ocean and sky distinguish this story."—
Publishers Weekly

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dial Books (October 4, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0735227772
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0735227774
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD590L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.19 x 0.39 x 11.31 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 82 ratings

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
82 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the illustrations in the book beautiful and nice. They also appreciate the story quality, describing it as wonderful and abstract, prompting great conversations about refugees.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

12 customers mention "Beauty of illustrations"12 positive0 negative

Customers like the illustrations. They say the pictures are nice, a little abstract, and perfect.

"So beautiful! I'm pretty sure it's the most beautiful book we have and it gets ten stars just for that. The story is really good too...." Read more

"It's a beautiful story with beautiful illustrations. My kindergartners love this book, but I love the message even more...." Read more

"Stunningly beautiful artwork. Unfortunately, the story just isn't one that draws you in and tempts you to read it over and over again...." Read more

"...The illustrations are luminous and take full advantage of the vast page space, and the spare text is perfect in conveying emotion in an..." Read more

8 customers mention "Story quality"7 positive1 negative

Customers enjoy the story and illustrations. They say it's a great abstract growing up story about refugees, not so much a refugee story itself.

"...So its a great abstract growing up story, not so much a refugee story. Love it!" Read more

"It's a beautiful story with beautiful illustrations. My kindergartners love this book, but I love the message even more...." Read more

"Wonderful story and Devine illustration" Read more

"Beautifully written and illustrated. The story prompted a great conversation with my 6 year old about refugees. Highly recommended!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2017
    So beautiful! I'm pretty sure it's the most beautiful book we have and it gets ten stars just for that. The story is really good too. A little abstract which is perfect. Either from reviews or descriptions I expected it to be something about refugees and settling into a new society, not landing on an island alone until a girl shows up. So its a great abstract growing up story, not so much a refugee story. Love it!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2017
    It's a beautiful story with beautiful illustrations. My kindergartners love this book, but I love the message even more. I purchased this book because I have children who are immigrants and I felt that they could relate on some level but I also found that if anyone has made a big move in their lives, then they can relate to this book as well. Beautiful!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2018
    Stunningly beautiful artwork. Unfortunately, the story just isn't one that draws you in and tempts you to read it over and over again. This is one we probably should have borrowed from the library instead of adding it to our collection. I have a soft spot for wordless books because they help young kids discover narrative structure. I'd love to see wordless books from this illustrator.
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2017
    I absolutely loved this book, as did my parents (in their 60s/70s). The illustrations are luminous and take full advantage of the vast page space, and the spare text is perfect in conveying emotion in an unsentimental and frank manner. This is a book for all ages and all people.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2017
    Really great book. I like that it doesn't explain why the boy had to leave, which gives the parent the ability to give age-appropriate explanations. The pictures are amazingly beautiful. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2019
    Wonderful story and Devine illustration
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2017
    Beautifully written and illustrated. The story prompted a great conversation with my 6 year old about refugees. Highly recommended!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2016
    Beautiful illustrations and story is good. Keeper!!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Elena
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely illustrations
    Reviewed in Canada on May 12, 2021
    It's a lyrical and poetic book about a journey to another place. Will resonate with adults as well. Beautiful illustrations too.
  • Ala Kanaplianikava
    3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 24, 2017
    there are hardly any text....just few lines on each page.
    good illustration.
  • 瀧島菜央
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
    Reviewed in Japan on November 24, 2019
    Artwork is remarkable and it was definitely worth waiting for two weeks!!!!!!!!!! I'd wait it forever if necessary❤️
  • Elizabeth Reilly
    5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptionally moving book that could be used with any ...
    Reviewed in Canada on December 10, 2016
    An exceptionally moving book that could be used with any age group. It is a book of resilience, hope and growth, gently told. The watercolour illustrations carried the boy and the reader from darkness to light.