• Age: 3 to 5
• Grade: p to k
• Reading age: 3 to 5

Somewhere off the coast and around the corner there are two islands. One island is made mostly of stones and the other mainly of sand, and that’s where the problem began.

Young Nye doesn’t understand why the people on her Island of Sand work so hard to build beautiful sandcastles every day if they are destined to be ruined by the stones catapulted over by the people of the Island of Stones every evening. When she asks “Why?” all she ever hears in response is “Because.”

As years go by, Nye realizes that the Because is starting to make sense to her and this makes her angry. And an angry Nye decides to take action.

Through this story about injustice and challenging the status quo, readers will be inspired to think deeply about why and how we can bring about change in the world. Available in French as Nye de l’île de Sable.

BREE GALBRAITH is a UBC Master of Creative Writing graduate and author of award winning titles, Once Upon a Balloon (Orca 2013), and Milo and Georgie (2017). Usha and the Stolen Sun is Bree’s third book, and several more follow in the coming years, including the Wednesday Wilson series (Kids Can Press 2020-22). She lives in the heart of Vancouver with her family, where when she’s not writing, she’s definitely outside enjoying the wonders of the west coast.

Bree Galbraith's profile page

After obtaining a diploma in film animation at Les arts Décoratifs de Paris, French artist Marion Arbona started working as an illustrator for children’s books. Her illustrations, painted with gouache, are colorful and funny. She likes to draw fully detailed scenes. When she is not drawing, she is particularly interested in deep sea fish, cats (even though she is allergic) and weird plants. Marion was awarded several illustration prizes in the USA and in Canada where she lived for 10 years. She returned to live in Paris in 2015.

Marion Arbona's profile page

• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools

“Well-written and features several lyrical passages. The text also makes use of a broad vocabulary, with novel words seamlessly integrated into the narrative. Young readers will be able to intuitively decipher the meaning of words that are new to them…Unique in concept and pleasing.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“The idea that two very different types of people can operate in harmony is relevant and hopeful, in these times. Children need to hear stories like this one.”

Sal's Fiction Addiction

“A must for all budding nonconformists who wish to activate change.”

Kirkus Reviews