The Boy Who Held Back the Sea

Written by Thomas Locker

Grade:

K-3

ISBN-13:

978-0140546132

Publisher:

Puffin Books (1993)

This retelling of the traditional Dutch folktale is paired with beautiful oil painting illustrations evocative of the Dutch masters. A young mischievous boy finds himself faced with an unthinkable challenge requiring courage and perseverance. Jan finds a hold in the dike that protects his village and, in an act of heroism, spends the night plugging it with his finger until help arrives. With magnificent and memorable illustrations, this serves as a good companion to reading “The Little Hero of Holland”.