In this exquisitely wrought tale, young Van finds a walking stick at the foot of a huge teak tree. Blessed by Buddha, it becomes his talisman, his lifelong link to the past, and the support he will need to carry him into the uncertain future. For when the winds of change blow, not even the deep forest of Vietnam remains safe. With the walking stick and his indomitable spirit, Van leads his family to safety and new land. Though the years pass in peace, the ever-present tap tapping of the brass-tipped walking stick is Van's constant reminder of the customs, voices, and land he will always remember with love.

When the stick's long odyssey is finally over, it is Van's granddaughter who carries it home and places it at Buddha's feet. Our Choice outstanding book selection, CCBC

Outstanding Book, Parent Council

This book has been graded for interest at 6-7 years.

There are 32 pages in this book. This book was published 2012 by Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd .

A prolific writer and educator, Maxine Trottier makes history come alive in picture books and novels for young readers. Her award-winning titles include Claire's Gift , The Paint Box , and Prairie Willow . Maxine's books have earned the Canadian Library Association's Book of the Year, the Mr. Christie's Book Award and twice the Ontario Woman Teacher's Federation Writing Award. Born in Michigan, Maxine is a dual citizen of Canada and the U. S. and makes her home in Port Stanley, Ontario. Annouchka Galouchko's artwork has appeared in numerous books for children, magazines, and other publications. She lives in Montreal.