A trip over the island to the post office always has a tiny thrill attached, as the prospect of something perhaps waiting behind the little PO Box door excites us all. Whether a package of homemade jams from my mother or one of my mail-ordered bras, a collection slip always means something special has arrived.

Yesterday's prize was really special, but not anything we'll get to keep for long.

"Little Sap and Monsieur Rodin" is a wonderful book written by a mother who's daughter shares orphanage roots with my kids ... they were all cared for at AOA near Phnom Penh before coming home. I'd ordered it weeks ago for Cj's library after hearing about it on my AOA parents group.

The story of a young Khmer dancer plucked from the countryside to dance in the Royal Palace and her trip to France in 1906 where she was sketched by the famous artist, Auguste Rodin, "Little Sap and Monsieur Rodin" combines the facts with the possible, entertaining and educating. With illustrations by Felicia Hoshino, the ancient world of Cambodian dance comes alive charmingly and I found myself practicing the hand motions for fruit, flower and leaf as I read along. (I'm nowhere near flexible enough, but Cj can form just about anything. Those Khmer fingers are amazing!)

Dedicated to her family and to "the people of Cambodia who work daily to revive their arts and culture, which were nearly erased from the world by the genocide and destruction of the Khmer Rouge", Michelle Lord's first picture book is a lovely story based in truth. In an author's note, she says:

Not much is known about Little Sap, bit I was inspired to re-create her story by blending historical facts with my memories of a trip to Cambodia. I recalled the beautiful countryside dotted with thatched homes on stilts and the unique beauty of Khmer dance, which dates back several centuries.

This book is a must have for any family with Cambodian ties and would be a treasure for any child interested in dance or Asian culture.

My copy goes tomorrow.

A little girl arrived in Seychelles this morning from Cambodia. Another AOA child, she now has a family here. As soon as her mom and dad are rested from the trip, we'll be going to meet her. This book will be her welcome home gift from Sam and Cj.

I'm ordering three more copies right away.