Message in a Bottle

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles by Michelle Cuevas ill by Erin E Stead

Meet the man with no name who lives alone, recovering message bottles found at sea and delivering the bottle to its intended recipient.
Michelle Cuevas poignant tale of longing for friendship is exquisitely illustrated by Erin E. Stead is certain to find a home in the hearts of young and not-so-young readers. 

Why not encourage students to create their own Message in a Bottle?
Small plastic beverage containers make excellent message vessels.  They are readily available, reusable, and recyclable.
After reading and discussing The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles with young readers, try crafting a message and sending it out into the world.  Including the name and contact information of a school or library may result in a few responses to this message-writing message-sending activity.

Create a message in a bottle:

• Wash and remove the label from a plastic beverage bottle. (A plastic bottle is safer for young readers and can be recycled.)
• Write a message on a small piece of paper.
• Roll the message into a thin scroll.
• Add a return address.
• It's fun to add a few goodies like confetti or a balloon.
• Tightly screw the cap on top of the bottle.
• Your message is ready to send out into the world.

"for a letter can hold the treasure of a clam-hugged pearl."

Companion book

Somebody Loves you Mr. Hatch
by Eileen Spinelli and illustrated by Paul Yalowitz
This is a similar tale of a lonely man who discovers a message of friendship. 
While the style is different, the soft pastels and effective use of color enhance this poignant story in a manner similar to Stead's work.