The Wide, Wide Sea - by Anna Wilson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A resolute promise from a child to a wild seal- to protect our beaches and oceans from plastic pollution. "Things will be different one day."

When a young child forges a special connection with a seal on a trip to the beach, their imagination takes them on an unforgettable journey. Through their eyes, we see everything the amazing beach and wide, wide sea have to offer . . . until suddenly, a violent storm blows in.

The next morning the beach is ugly . . . and covered in litter. Whose fault is it? And who can fix it? Together, the child, their grandmother, and the rest of the community clean the beach, and the child makes a promise to the seal that things will change for the better.

Review Quotes

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. (Picture book. 3-6)

About the Author

Anna Wilson is an avid wild-swimmer and advocate for protecting animals and nature. Anna's passion for the natural world shines through in all her work. She lives with her husband and dog, cat, ducks, and a tortoise named Hercules in Cornwall, England.

Jenny Løvlie grew up in Northern Norway on Ekkerøy, a tiny peninsula sticking out into the Barents Sea, where she was the first child to be born in 12 years. Jenny studied Illustration & Animation at Kingston University in London, England. Her love of nature shines through in her work and she draws inspiration from the wild landscapes of Scandinavia, Nordic folklore, and Scandinavian design. Jenny's favorite things are going on adventures in her van, camping, bird-watching, cooking, and reading. She lives in Cardiff, Wales.