CALLING THE WATER DRUM

A tender and timely tribute to the bravery of immigrants and refugees, to the resiliency of children, and to the human spirit most of all.

Henri and his parents leave their homeland, Haiti, after they receive an invitation from an uncle to come to New York City. Only able to afford a small, rickety boat, the family sets out in the middle of the night in search of a better life. Out at sea, Henri dreams of what life will be like "across the great waters." Then the small boat overturns, and Henri is placed on top of the boat as his parents drift further out at sea. Overcome with grief, Henri retreats into himself and is no longer able to speak once he reaches land. Encouraged by his uncle and neighbor, Henri takes a bucket and plays on it like a drum. The drumming becomes a link to his past and a conduit for his emotions. Slowly, through his drumming and the kindness of his uncle and friend, Henri learns to navigate this new and foreign world without his parents. LaTisha Redding made her picture book debut with Calling the Water Drum, inspired by the memories of her Haitian friends. Aaron Boyd has illustrated numerous picture books, including Calling the Water Drum, Janna and the Kings, and Babu's Song for Lee & Low Books. His work has been recognized by the Children's Africana Book Award and the International Literacy Association (ILA).