The Endless Sea

The poignant story of one family's perilous journey from Vietnam to the UK.
On the first day, we ate rice cakes.
On the second day, they were all gone.
On the third day, the water ran out.
On the fourth day, we reached the sea…

This picture-book tells the true story of Chi Thai’s refugee crossing from Vietnam to the UK, at just four years old ... leaving her home behind, and setting out across the vastness of the sea in a tiny boat. It's a deeply personal account, rooted in important history – and yet, her story resonates with those of families all over the world today, forced to make perilous journeys of their own. Beautifully written by Chi, with striking illustrations by artist Linh Dao, this is essential reading for everyone.

Some stories demand to be told - not just for those who lived them but for the generations that follow. This is one such story […] Thai’s text is spare yet powerful, each word carrying the weight of memory, loss, and hope. The language is deeply evocative, its understated simplicity heightening the emotional impact. Dao’s illustrations amplify this storytelling with striking visual contrasts […] This is more than a refugee story - it is a testament to survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of family. Books for Keeps
[…] can be shared with children to increase empathy without giving them nightmares […] This is a dangerous episode but the emphasis is on hope rather than fear. It is the miraculous point of reaching security. There is a gentleness in all the faces and postures which belies the terror of the circumstances. Books for Keeps, Nicolette Jones
There’s a cinematic quality to this story of bleak times and danger. This uncompromising story and its author’s note highlight the extreme circumstance some families exist within and builds empathy and understanding. Inclusive Books for Children
Featured. The Bookseller, March Children’s Previews
a heartrending story […] A book to share widely in primary classrooms to help foster that vital compassion and understanding the author speaks of. Red Reading Hub

Chi Thai is a British Vietnamese independent filmmaker. She is a BIFA nominated producer and a Screen International Star of Tomorrow. She directed and produced the short film adaptation of award-winning Walker title The Promise by Nicola Davies and Laura Carlin. Her production company, Last Conker, was awarded the BFI Vision Award in 2020–22 and produces films that unravel from the complex web of diaspora. She produced the two-time SXSW23 Grand Jury winning film, Raging Grace. The Endless Sea is her debut picture book.
Linh Dao is an award-winning illustrator and animator. Having been born in Vietnam and moved to Europe, she is able to look at the world from a combined perspective.

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