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by Brennan Odea (Author)
Princess Margot lives on an island slowly sinking into the sea. The islanders selfishly cling to their gifts and build walls instead of sharing and helping one another. Desperate to save her home, Margot tries to sell her treasured glowing pearl in the marketplace to buy time for the island. The more she grips the pearl tightly, the heavier it becomes and the more it loses its light. Her wise Nana teaches her that true gifts are not meant to be hoarded or measured by price - they must be given freely back to the world. Margot finally releases the pearl. The pearl soars into the sky, creating a new rainbow bridge to the mainland. Margot leads the way, her Nana follows, and at last the entire island lets go, following the pearl's light and crossing to safety. As the island sinks peacefully into the ocean, the pearl finds a new joyful owner in a small girl, causing it to shine in new bright colors. Princess Margot smiles, seeing the truth her Nana taught her, "the prize not in keeping -- but letting it free."
