By Chi Thai (author) , Linh Dao (illustrator) Part of the Walker Studio series
"A powerful, emotive and essential read, opening our eyes to the very real experience of so many across history. In a world where so many are still displaced by war, and othered as a result, The Endless Sea is an engaging, moving and necessary reminder of the need for compassion and humanity."
Hardback In Stock £12.99 £11.69
View All Editions (1)
March 2025 Debut of the Month
An authentic, emotional and ultimately uplifting insight into the real-life experience of a family forced to leave their home and life to seek refuge in another country in the aftermath of the Vietam war, which, as we find out from the Author’s Note, is based on the direct experience of Chi Thai and her family.
You can absolutely see the influence of Chi Thai’s experience as a filmmaker in the story. It is thoughtfully paced, in terms of the narrative and emotional journey. It doesn’t shy away from the life-changing ramifications of the experience, highlighting the hardship and sheer peril faced by those in this position, as well as the hope that might be found by those who risk their lives to try to build a new life elsewhere.
This is also picked up in Linh Dao’s illustration, with scenes presented from a range of perspectives, angles and with thoughtful use of colour and tone, reminiscent of cinematic techniques. We’re immediately connected with the family through the endpapers, presenting photographs of the family at different points in their lives.
The exquisite partnership of words and images are sensitive to the subject matter and the characters represented. Both the author and illustrator are originally from Vietnam, ensuring authenticity and quality of representation. The pairing of the spare but perfectly chosen words and the carefully observed illustration ensures that a challenging and emotive topic is made accessible to its child audience.
It would be a valuable experience to read alongside Francesca Sanna’s The Journey , to provide insights into a shared experience across people from different parts of the world, highlighting the universality of the refugee experience over time and allowing us to empathise deeply with those affected.
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…
Read the full description
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…
The Endless Sea is the timely true story of Chi Thai’s childhood as a refugee at the end of the Vietnam war and her settling in the UK. The book is illustrated by Vietnamese born artist Linh Dao.
The Endless Sea tells the true story of Chi and her family’s perilous flight from South Vietnam in an overcrowded boat when Chi was an infant. After hours adrift, where lives were lost, they were finally rescued. When they came to the UK they settled in Staffordshire. This traumatic journey has inspired much of Chi’s creative work including her film, Lullaby, which was recently awarded Best Short Film at the Asian World Film Festival.
The Endless Sea is a deeply personal account, rooted in important history – and yet, the story resonates with many families all over the world today, forced to make perilous journeys of their own.
Told from the perspective of Chi’s four-year-old self, this is a moving story of resilience, beautifully and sensitively illustrated by artist Linh Dao. It is also a story of love and the hope for a better collective future.
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.
Children's Books that raise awareness of Refugees and Asylum Seekers
UKLA Book Award 2026 Shortlists Announced
Carnegies 2026 Shortlist Announced
Longlists Announced for the Carnegies Book Awards 2026
the best books for 5-7 year olds · the best books about starting school · the best books for 9-12 year olds
Pia's Pet Club: Puppy Problem
The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.
Cally and Jimmy: Twintastic
Who's a Big Bully Then?
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… The Endless Sea is the timely true story of Chi Thai’s childhood as a refugee at the end of the Vietnam war and her settling in the UK. The book is illustrated by Vietnamese born artist Linh Dao.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Endless Sea and determined it is suitable for children aged 5-10 years old
The Endless Sea features in the following genres: Featured Books for 5+ readers, Featured Books for 7+ readers, Featured Books for 9+ readers, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Stories about Family and Friends, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children’s / Teenage social topics: War and conflict issues, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage: Social issues / topics
Hardback. £11.69, down from the £12.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Endless Sea was written by Chi Thai and published by Walker Studio an imprint of Walker Books
The Endless Sea has 40 pages
Yes it is part of Walker Studio series
£11.69, reduced from £12.99. In Stock.
©PTC International Ltd T/A LoveReading is registered in England. Company number: 10193437. VAT number: 270 4538 09. Registered address: 157 Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
The National Year of Reading starts here. Join thousands of families and schools supporting reading for pleasure across the UK.