The Vanishing Sea: The Tale of How the Aral Sea Became the Aral Desert

This artful and thought-provoking picture book shares the little-known story of the disappearance of the Aral Sea--and the loss of livelihood and biodiversity as fishing villages and ships were left stranded in the desert without water.

The Aral Sea once stretched across modern-day Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. A large saltwater lake of Central Asia (called "sea" because of its vastness), the Aral Sea's 26 square miles (67 square kilometers) sustained its surrounding communities for generations. Beginning in the 1960s, aggressive Soviet industrialization diverted water for agricultural production and caused the lake to shrink.

Today, the waters that had thrived for centuries have almost entirely disappeared--and along with them, the biodiversity of the lake, its thriving fishing industry, and the many homes along its shores.

Told in a folkloric style with stunning illustrations, this true tale chronicles what happens when nature's generosity is exploited. It gently invites readers to consider the reality of irreversible environmental harm, its global impact, and what it means to be compassionate to the land we live on.

TIMELY THEMES: This book showcases lessons of community effort and perseverance, addressing important themes about the environment, biodiversity, water access, the impact of colonization, and the effects of industry and agriculture.

LITTLE-KNOWN STORY: Few Central Asian stories like this are familiar to American and European readers, and very little has been published about the Aral Sea outside of Russia. This captivating picture book brings its important story to the world.

FAR-REACHING IMPACT: The disappearance of the Aral Sea has a global impact: the effects have been documented as far away as Scandinavia and Antarctica, and toxic soils from the damaged Aral Sea basin are being carried by winds to the far corners of the planet. This story offers readers a chance to learn about the loss of a critical resource and reassess what it means to be environmentally aware, both locally and globally.

Perfect for:

• Young readers who love nature and fact books
• Educators, librarians, and parents seeking engaging geography and natural science books for kids
• Anyone looking for stories featuring an environmental call to action
• A resource for talking about the impact of colonialism, industrialization, and underrepresented regions of the world
• Fans of Dinara Mirtalipova's art

Author: Dinara Mirtalipova
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Published: 02/03/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 11.20h x 8.90w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781797224596
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Shelf Awareness 01/01/0001
Booklist 11/01/2025
Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2025
Publishers Weekly 12/08/2025
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2026 pg. 90
School Library Journal 01/01/2026 pg. 58

About the Author
Dinara Mirtalipova is an award-winning folk illustrator and designer who was born and raised in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Her whimsical and instantly recognizable handcrafted work is inspired by Uzbek and Russian folklore and culture, which has been passed from generation to generation by her ancestors. She is the illustrator of Woven of the World--which received a BolognaRagazzi Special Mention for Nonfiction, a BIBF Ananas Grand Prix, and a Society of Illustrators Book Silver Medal--among many other books. She works and lives in northeast Ohio. Learn more about Dinara at mirdinara.com or on Instagram @mirdinara.