When the people of Malatuppo, a small island off the coast of Panama, pool resources to buy a trading boat, the young Aurelio is fired with a desire to contribute. The boy's dog comes upon a valuable relic in the forest, and Aurelio's wish is fulfilled. Pleasantly written in descriptive prose, the story is illustrated in technique common to the islanders. Bright colors crowded into each spread may appeal, although some of the pictures are too busy to be pleasing to the eye.