“What Is a River?” is a picture book about rivers and the plentiful connections they have with us, humans. It follows a child and her grandma as they look for answers to a question – what is a river? In their imaginary expedition, they discover rivers flowing in the sky and living organisms; meet pilgrims and conquistadores, magical shape-shifting river dolphins and older-than-dinosaurs species of sturgeons; fish and bathe; and explore many other things.

“A river is a thread, says Grandma. It embroiders our world with beautiful patterns. It connects people and places, past and present. It stitches stories together.”

“What is a River?” is written and illustrated by Monika Vaicenavičiene. First published in Swedish in 2019. Released in English by Enchanted Lion Books in 2021. Bought thanks to a sold woven bookmark ❤️

Photos by Anna Iltnere / Sea Library