"My toes toast in the sun.
We tend to the river.
As we curve around a bend, the singsong
notes of "Happy Birthday" float past,
mixing with birdsong high above
and our own voices, splashing in the river."
An overhead view of the river that flows into a large pond is pictured on the front endpaper, in verdant color that enhances the water and its surroundings. Along the shoreline, readers will notice a number of rafts with oars at the ready. The title page shows Aunty Koko and the child narrator donning life jackets and preparing to head out in one of the inflated rafts. It is a magical day.
As they paddle forward, they notice the sparkle of sun on the water and smell the wet earth on the shore. Beavers, butterflies and turtles are out sunning themselves in the warmth of the day. As they paddle further, they continue to take note of the wildlife, and of friends enjoying a wondrous day at the river's edge. Both happy noise and moments of peaceful quiet fill the air.
Soon, the two paddle onto the pond where the amount of trash increases. It becomes almost too much to handle. Luckily, the people they have met along the river arrive to lend a hand. Together they create the ripples that improve the health of this natural habitat. The art is brilliantly colorful, and in keeping with the work being done together to improve their shared environment.
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