Mirtalipova, Dinara. Vanishing Sea, The: The Tale of How the Aral Sea Became the Aral Desert. Dinara Mirtalipova, Illus. Chronicle, 02/2026. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-7972-2459-6. GRADES 1–5. OUTSTANDING.
How did the Aral Sea, one of the largest lakes on Earth, become a desert? With simple storytelling and extraordinary illustrations, a clear environmental warning is given regarding the overuse of water resources that led to the sea’s disappearance within a few short decades. Every spread is a powerful composition of pastel illustrations, innovatively and seamlessly conveying this unusual tale. The textures, color story, and overall design are dynamic and memorable, successfully creating a full expression of the Aral Sea’s demise. Thorough back matter includes an author’s note and information, with photographs, timelines and ecological impacts.
Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library