Written by Melina Iliopoulou & Maria Yiassa Illustrated by Elena Tsaprouni
Yiannis, a young boy, spends his summer holidays on a sun-drenched Aegean island, where the sea shimmers under the sun and the wind carries all sorts of dreams. He folds paper boats, each one making him feel like a captain, an explorer ready to discover unknown worlds.
His grandfather shares stories of distant seas and the mysteries of shipyards. Through these tales, the past and present blend seamlessly: the Liberty ships that once carried supplies, weapons, and hope across the darkest waters of World War II. When the war ended and the flames of conflict faded, these same ships passed into the hands of Greek shipowners, laying the foundation for a new era in Greek shipping—one that would come to dominate the world’s oceans.
As Yiannis’s paper boats meet the legends of the past, a new compass awakens within him—not just for sailors, but for everyone bold enough to dream.
A journey of initiation into the sea and the power of ambition. Sometimes, a simple paper boat can carry you farther than you ever imagined.
Why choose this book
This beautifully written book offers a meaningful connection to Greece’s maritime heritage through the inspiring story of the legendary Liberty ships. Blending history, storytelling, and elegant illustrations, it celebrates the spirit, resilience, and vision that shaped modern Greek shipping.
An ideal corporate gift for partners and collaborators, it reflects the values of the maritime world —tradition, perseverance, and the courage to navigate new horizons— while offering an engaging and memorable reading experience for all ages.
Melina Iliopoulou was born in the heart of Africa and developed a love for travel and adventure from an early age. Now working with teenagers in the classroom, she writes travel-inspired stories for young readers. She has published five books and an educational software project, and dreams of traveling around the world in a colorful hot-air balloon.
Maria Yassa was born in South Africa and grew up in Athens. With roots in Plomari on the island of Lesvos, she developed an early love for the sea. After working in commercial shipping, she began writing children’s books to share the stories and heritage of the maritime world with younger generations.
—-
Reserve your copies today, interested parties can contact me at this email (mariayiassa@gmail.com) for more details. Feel free to share this email with interested individuals in your organisation or others that would appreciate this proposal.
