THE WIDE, WIDE SEA

A grandmother and grandchild visit a local beach.

The child gathers “seaside treasures. Limpets, periwinkles, mussel shells, and whelks. Gifts from the sea, just for me.” Then Gran excitedly points out a seal. Entranced, the young protagonist steps into the “wide, wide sea.” Imagination takes over as the youngster transforms into a white seal, swimming alongside the gray marine mammal. The painterly images are filled with realistic wildlife sure to intrigue burgeoning naturalists; potentially unfamiliar birds like gannets and kittiwakes flock alongside sandpipers and seagulls, red crabs cavort on the rocks, and jellyfish stretch their tendrils as the seals make their way to the surface. Eventually, the gray seal leaves, and the child longs to see him again, but a storm rolls in. Conditions aren’t as idyllic the following morning. Trees have fallen, and garbage has washed up. But as people gather to clean the beach, the child and grandmother pitch in, picking up plastic waste and other detritus, making the beach safe for all, including the seal, who has returned. Wilson’s simple, child-centered, and frequently lyrical text pairs well with Løvlie’s illustrations, which shift in color from tranquil blues to more intense colors as the storm rages. This is an excellent read-aloud to help young children understand both the issues plaguing our planet and ways to effect change. The main characters are brown-skinned; their community is diverse.

An imaginative marine romp threaded with eco-friendly messaging.