I got this slim softcover at a local Savers thrift shop. It's a very charming and beautifully-illustrated tale, with an unexpected twist: in the middle of the account of the birds, fish, insects and plants that visit or make their home on the island, a kitten sails up in its own little boat! It has a chat with the island about being part of the big world - and then argues that the island is NOT, because it's surrounded by water. (Philosophical questions in a children's book? Wonderful!)

The island summons a fish to explain how it's connected, and the cat - being a cat - threatens to eat it if it doesn't give an answer. But the fish does answer, describing the land below the waters, and:

"The cat's eyes were shining
with the secret of it.
And because he loved secrets he believed.
And he let the fish go."

A really lovely little book, with images of ocean and sky, seasons and storms... Glad I came across this!

I left this book in the Little Free Library on this drizzly day; hope someone enjoys it!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2017 September Sapphire release challenge. ***