I’m not sure if there’s a more delightful way to learn about the geography of the Great Lakes and the surrounding area, than with Paddle-to-the-Sea by Holling Clancey Holling!

The story begins with a young boy who places his wood carving of an Indian in a canoe into a stream near Lake Superior. Underneath the little canoe, the boy had inscribed the words “Please put me back in the water; I am Paddle To the Sea.“

During Paddle’s journey from Lake Superior to the Atlantic Ocean, the little wooden Indian witnesses many things including the changing of the seasons, a variety of wildlife, people, industries, and natural phenomenons.

The book contains beautiful artwork of Paddle’s journey in the margins surrounding the text, and a map of his whole voyage in the back.

Paddle-to-the-Sea is a living book staple for every family library! It combines Canadian geography, history, and science together in a most memorable way. 5/5 stars!