Purchase to Support Our Program

“A boy on land and a girl at sea overcome language barriers to become friends. …Restrained and spare but potent text whips up an exceptional tale of kinship, where English and Spanish words often converge in meaning. Montalvo’s watercolor, gouache, and graphite artwork brims with verve, leveraging unusual perspectives, thoughtful frames, and vivid tones that culminate in a sublime gatefold. …A radiant tale of adventure and friendship.”

– Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Bye Land, Bye Sea

Written by René Spencer and Rodolfo Montalvo
Illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo
Published by Roaring Brook Press

Two children from different backgrounds show that friendship has no language in this epic bilingual story about being lost and finding a friend who understands.

I’m lost.

Soy náufrago.

A boy and a girl lost at sea run into each other on an island, but they quickly realize there is a huge barrier between them. They speak two different languages. Hesitant and unsure, they must figure out how to connect despite their differences, if they want to find a way home.

Dynamic picture book creators René Spencer and Rodolfo Montalvo join forces in this powerful picture book about connection and the perseverance of friendship.

Primary ISBN: 9781250246721
Publication Date: April 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: On Journey

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.