Beautifully written and illustrated story of a mother and daughter in Southeast Asia. Daughter is worried about her mother who works so hard in the coffee plantation for just ten cents a pound. Mother’s hands, feet and back all show the strain of her struggle. Daughter wants to stay home and help but Mother says no. Daughter must go away to learn to read and write, something Mother herself cannot do. Finally she tells Daughter that all her hard work is to pay for the schooling and supplies for her daughter to have a better life. Daughter finally agrees.

Sensitive and tender moment that helps bring understanding about many regions of the world where there is no local school and the illiteracy rate is high. What can you buy here for just ten cents? ( )

Ten Cents a Pound by Nhung Tran-Davies and Josée Bisaillon, published by Second Story Press is a beautiful story about a parent’s love for her child and the sacrifices that she will make to see that child achieve successes. It’s also the story of a child who is reluctant to leave the safety and security of her home, of her need to be a good daughter and help her mother who grows old and weary from the physical labour of her work in the mountains to earn ten cents a pound. This incredible story is very moving and speaks to many. Many of us have found successes in our lives because of the care and sacrifice of our parents, none more so then those who have had to leave their homelands and create new homes here in Canada. A tale for every school library shelf so that all of our students can see themselves reflected in the books we share. Also an important book for those who have grown up knowing only privilege to gain some understanding of how other people live and what they have to do and give up in order to gain an education that will take them far out into the world and allow them to achieve their dreams. Josee Bisaillon’s art in this book is stunning. She clearly captures the reflection of the girl from her mother’s eye and vice versa. The page when the mother is drawn but the eyes are white out to show her deteriorating vision is haunting. The art has such life and contains all the hopes of the future. ( )

This is a beautiful origin story for anyone whose parent has ever attempted to empower them to be successful in life. Ten Cents a Pound showcases a parent's determination to enable their child to be better off than they were. Lovely, evocative illustrations and a clear, consistent, hopeful message.

I loved the page where the child is sitting on the tree, feet bare, reading a book with butterflies flying out and up to freedom.

*eARC Neatgalley* ( )