The Greatest River

A child grappling with her mother’s illness takes solace from an encounter with “Ganga, the holy river,” in this quietly affecting story about nature providing emotional succor. Motivated by Mamma’s stories about the Ganges River as a “great mother,” young Ananda and an aunt journey to the river and, through sensory experiences, form a deep connection from which hope grows. Melodic prose describes the path the subject takes toward achieving a feeling of peace: “Ananda inhaled deeply./ She closed her eyes and took it all in./ The smells—incense, flowers, burning wood./ The sounds—chanting, singing, Ganga flowing./ The feeling—absolute peace.” An earthy palette, etching-like detailing, and watery flowing lines lend Le’s immersive digital renderings an emotional heft that movingly pairs with the story as it traces Ananda’s transformation from worried to consoled. Characters read as South Asian. A glossary and notes conclude. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)