The Sea in the Way - by Sophie Gilmore (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

All Badger wants is to be close to Bear, but the vast, endless sea is in the way. Everything is terrible! Until Badger looks more closely and sees all the beauty--and all the connections to Bear--around her. With dazzling artwork and undeniably lovable characters, acclaimed author-illustrator Sophie Gilmore's The Sea in the Way explores ways to cope with missing a loved one, and how to open yourself up to new experiences.

When it's bedtime for Badger, the sun is rising for Bear. Bear isn't there to tuck Badger in or hear about her day or spend time with her, except on the telephone. Missing Bear, Badger tries to cross the sea to reunite with her friend, but ends up getting tossed right back to where she started. The sea is always in the way!

When the sea requests a few gifts in exchange for safe passage, Badger looks for something special. And looks and looks. Soon enough, she sees the wonders that surround her--and she even makes a new friend! In the end, Badger realizes that Bear may be even closer than she thought.

Readers of The Invisible String will find new friends in Badger, Bear, and Loud Bird.

Review Quotes

"Badger lives far away from Bear--so far that when it's day for Badger, it's night for Bear . . . Determined to see her friend, Badger climbs into a boat to make the trip, but the sea tosses her right back to shore. . . . Gilmore's muted watercolors are softly textured with fine pen lines for fur, feathers, sand, and sea, and they beautifully evoke Badger's lonesome wistfulness. . . . A touching, compassionate selection for a child who's missing a faraway friend or family member." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

"With soft colors and an attentive, furred protagonist, this tale of yearning carries the quietest of messages. . . . A powerful story about learning to connect with faraway loved ones and care for one's immediate community, too." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Alone in her small house, Badger stares out the window across an expanse of the ocean, sadly wishing for Bear. . . . the sea says it will let Badger cross if she brings it a series of gifts. Seeking these gifts forces Badger to look more closely at her home and the potential beauty and friends around her. . . . As Badger's point of view changes, the sea that was an obstacle can also be seen as a connection to Bear. . . . A thoughtful story." - Booklist

"Two animals separated by a vast body of water find a way to connect. . . . Unlike many narratives about being apart from a loved one, this one doesn't end in blissful reunion; instead, an open-ended conclusion leaves room for conversation and wondering. . . . An insightful commentary on separation. Dreamy, smart waves of love, longing, listening, and learning." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)