To Honduras with Love from Holly Drive School

Irene Punt is a published author and elementary-school teacher in
Calgary, Alberta.

Emma’s class is given an assignment following the hurricane that
devastated Honduras. The teacher asks the students to “think of the
most important thing that someone would need, if they had lost
everything.” After the class brainstorms the importance of food,
shelter, and clothing, Emma thinks of something else—love. But how
could she send love to Honduras?

Emma finds the answer, realizing the love for her teddy bear, Cody.
When Emma announces her idea to send Cody to Honduras, 100 bears from
Emma’s school join him, all tagged with the same message—“To
Honduras with love from Holly Drive School.” The bears’ journey from
Halifax to Honduras includes a ride in a fish truck, a stay at the Miami
Police Station, and a ride in a tiny car, prompting coverage from a
local television station. Getting the word out inspires a chain reaction
of generosity: by the time the bears reach their final destination, they
number 100,000.

This story of kindness also documents the realities of poverty,
destruction, and despair. Emma’s idea of sending love proves one
person can make a difference, providing hope.

To Honduras with Love from Holly Drive School is based on a true story.
It has the outward appearance of a picture book; however, it reads like
a chapter book—40 pages divided into seven chapters with lengthy,
sometimes solid text. (This format may cause shelving difficulties.)
Color illustrations and maps by Jane Gallinaugh add softness and
interest. Recommended with reservations.