A Gift of Dust

Who would have thought a picture book about dust could be so breathtaking?

This beautiful nonfiction story follows tiny specks of dust as they rise from the deserts of Africa and travel across the ocean. Some of the dust lands in the sea, nourishing microscopic organisms that become food for larger marine animals. Other dust drifts toward the Amazon rainforest, delivering essential minerals that help the forest stay healthy and vibrant.

I had no idea desert dust played such a vital role in our ecosystem. The artwork is especially powerful - the opening image of a pregnant mother and the closing scene of a baby held in caring arms gently complete a stunning circle of life.

If there is one nonfiction read-aloud that children in any classroom truly deserve to experience before the year ends, this is it.