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When the Ocean Came to Town
A love letter to the ocean, and to adapting to climate change, the newest picture book by award-winning creators Sal Sawler and Emma FitzGerald will inspire young readers to build better solutions, and communities. A great storm is coming. Gretchen loves the ocean. She dreams of going to the beach on her own, with no one to make her leave before she's ready. But between whispers of oil, plastic, and a rising sea, her parents warn her not to underestimate the strength of the water. A great storm is coming and everyone, big and small, must prepare to meet it when it does. Gretchen soon sees the ocean's power firsthand when the tides rise high enough to threaten her home. Can she help her neighbours rebuild after the storm is over, or is the damage too great? With a strong message of community-building and climate activism, this charming debut children's picture book from celebrated author Sal Sawler and award-winning illustrator Emma FitzGerald will inspire young readers to rebuild better, together.
32 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 26, 2023
The Day the Ocean Came to Town by Sal Sawler with art by Emma Fitzgerald is gem of a picture book.
Gretchen knows that she is lucky to live near the beach where “…foamy seawater tickled her toes and tiny hermit crabs hid from her curious fingers.” She longs to spend more time at the beach despite her parent’s worry about global warming and the dangers of rising seas. Gretchen is thrilled to learn that a storm and a rise in the water is on the way. She imagines an ocean playground outside her door. But, the reality ends her daydreams. The adults are too busy adapting and providing the necessities of food and water, to play. And Gretchen can’t even reach her friends to play! She has an idea though…an idea that involves working together and building literal and figurative bridges.
When the Ocean Came to Town is an optimistic and gentle reminder that our world is more than a mere playground. Caring for it and for our children will require all of the creativity we can muster. Highly recommended for schools and families. #picturebooks #canadianpicturebooks #pb
Gretchen knows that she is lucky to live near the beach where “…foamy seawater tickled her toes and tiny hermit crabs hid from her curious fingers.” She longs to spend more time at the beach despite her parent’s worry about global warming and the dangers of rising seas. Gretchen is thrilled to learn that a storm and a rise in the water is on the way. She imagines an ocean playground outside her door. But, the reality ends her daydreams. The adults are too busy adapting and providing the necessities of food and water, to play. And Gretchen can’t even reach her friends to play! She has an idea though…an idea that involves working together and building literal and figurative bridges.
When the Ocean Came to Town is an optimistic and gentle reminder that our world is more than a mere playground. Caring for it and for our children will require all of the creativity we can muster. Highly recommended for schools and families. #picturebooks #canadianpicturebooks #pb
February 17, 2024
I bought this book for my 6 year old granddaughter and she loved it. It’s a great book to show a child that they can make a difference. It’s a thought provoking, well written book that has been beautifully illustrated. The character of Gretchen is very relatable and many children will see themselves in her.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews