What do you think?
Rate this book
Zoom Trilogy #1
Zoom at Sea
Zoom the cat realizes his lifelong dream of nautical adventure in the home of a mysterious woman with magical powers
30 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1983
112 people want to read
About the author
Tim Wynne-Jones
71 books163 followersTim Wynne-Jones (born 12 August 1948) is an English–Canadian author of children's literature, including picture books and novels for children and young adults, novels for adults, radio dramas, songs for the CBC/Jim Henson production Fraggle Rock, as well as a children's musical and an opera libretto.
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Juvenile (2001): The Boy in the Burning House
Edgar Award
◊ Best Young Adult (2002): The Boy in the Burning House
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Juvenile (2001): The Boy in the Burning House
Edgar Award
◊ Best Young Adult (2002): The Boy in the Burning House
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Read
May 2, 2023Okay……?
March 27, 2019
Zoom was a cat who loved water. He liked to play at sailing in the bathtub, and would spend his nights watching the tap and dreaming. Then one day he found a letter from his Uncle Roy, instructing him on how to get to the sea, which turned out to be located inside the home of a mysterious woman named Maria. After setting sail, Zoom had a marvelous day at sea, before returning to shore (AKA Maria's home), where he was assured he could come back, at any time he liked...
An entertaining work of picture-book fantasy, Zoom at Sea was the first of a trilogy of stories - subsequent titles include Zoom Away and Zoom Upstream - from Canadian author/illustrator team Tim Wynne-Jones and Eric Beddows devoted to the adventures of this unusual feline. The story here is quirky, with plenty of surreal elements that the narrative simply takes in its stride, presenting as matter-of-fact realities. The sea being inside a house, for instance, and something that is put together (so to speak) by the mysterious Maria. The artwork, done in graphite pencil, is intricate and quite lovely, with so many wonderful little details. I particularly loved Zoom's changing facial expressions! Highly recommended by a colleague, this book was once described by a reviewer at the Toronto Star as "the most completely satisfying Canadian picture-book ever produced." I don't know if I'd go that far, but I certainly think it is marvelous, and sure to appeal both to young cat lovers and to readers who enjoy surreal fantasy and fairy-tale fiction. I read the 35th Anniversary edition of Zoom at Sea, which would seem to indicate that this is a book with some staying power!
An entertaining work of picture-book fantasy, Zoom at Sea was the first of a trilogy of stories - subsequent titles include Zoom Away and Zoom Upstream - from Canadian author/illustrator team Tim Wynne-Jones and Eric Beddows devoted to the adventures of this unusual feline. The story here is quirky, with plenty of surreal elements that the narrative simply takes in its stride, presenting as matter-of-fact realities. The sea being inside a house, for instance, and something that is put together (so to speak) by the mysterious Maria. The artwork, done in graphite pencil, is intricate and quite lovely, with so many wonderful little details. I particularly loved Zoom's changing facial expressions! Highly recommended by a colleague, this book was once described by a reviewer at the Toronto Star as "the most completely satisfying Canadian picture-book ever produced." I don't know if I'd go that far, but I certainly think it is marvelous, and sure to appeal both to young cat lovers and to readers who enjoy surreal fantasy and fairy-tale fiction. I read the 35th Anniversary edition of Zoom at Sea, which would seem to indicate that this is a book with some staying power!
October 9, 2022
If you like fantasy, animal adventure and/or sea stories, you will enjoy this clever tale-tail about a cat in love with the sea. Zoom the cat has the sea in his blood and believes he is called to a life at sea. He discovers a dusty diary and a picture of his Uncle Roy who leads him to a mysterious lady, Maria who becomes his ticket to sea (and perhaps other?) adventures.
Delightful black-and-white sketches and the perfect setting for a child to use imagination. Best of all there are more Zoom stories!
Delightful black-and-white sketches and the perfect setting for a child to use imagination. Best of all there are more Zoom stories!
February 27, 2022
Gorgeous illustrations! Zoom is a cat who loves water.
January 12, 2021
I read this aloud to my cat just now, don't laugh.
But also -- sitting and rereading my old childhood picture book felt wonderful in that it's an adorable story, but I also I felt it helped explain the groundwork that was set for my tastes today. I feel I understand myself better in rereading it! So much of it revolves around Maria, a woman who Zoom doesn't actually know but was told to go to by his uncle Roy to become a sailor, who, when the time is right, opens a gate and the ocean comes into her home. She pours out fish from her pots for Zoom to play with, and brings the sun indoors. After, she sits and drinks tea with Zoom, disheveled, her human and civilized aspects slightly off (her hair coming down, sand in her hems) and smiles -- and the artist makes it a strange smile, sweet but sad, nostalgic. There's something about the unsaid in this story -- about the illustration of water and the sea in places it shouldn't, in Maria herself, in who she is and how she has this connection and why she is lonely and sad and waiting -- which is so much of the feeling I find myself reaching for today in fiction, both when reading and when writing.
But also -- sitting and rereading my old childhood picture book felt wonderful in that it's an adorable story, but I also I felt it helped explain the groundwork that was set for my tastes today. I feel I understand myself better in rereading it! So much of it revolves around Maria, a woman who Zoom doesn't actually know but was told to go to by his uncle Roy to become a sailor, who, when the time is right, opens a gate and the ocean comes into her home. She pours out fish from her pots for Zoom to play with, and brings the sun indoors. After, she sits and drinks tea with Zoom, disheveled, her human and civilized aspects slightly off (her hair coming down, sand in her hems) and smiles -- and the artist makes it a strange smile, sweet but sad, nostalgic. There's something about the unsaid in this story -- about the illustration of water and the sea in places it shouldn't, in Maria herself, in who she is and how she has this connection and why she is lonely and sad and waiting -- which is so much of the feeling I find myself reaching for today in fiction, both when reading and when writing.
March 26, 2014
The pencil illustrations are lovely and I liked the idea of a cat who really wants to go to sea and follows his dreams, but I didn't really get this story. Kids have wild imaginations, so maybe they'll be able to accept the strange plot of a room that turns into the sea better than I. If it weren't for the illustrations, I would give this two stars.
September 8, 2020
Zoom the cat has an affinity for the sea. "The sea is in his blood, " his friends say. One day he discovers a dusty diary he'd never seen before inscribed to him from his Uncle Roy, and on the last page is an address and a map of how to get to the sea. And so he goes.
A wonderful story. Magnificent illustrations. If you love picture books as I do, you really must get a copy and read this book.
And how did I come across this book? Pure serendipity. I found it in my Little Free Library and I thought I'd give it a quick read and put it back in the box. When I opened the book, I began to read a lovely and unexpectedly erudite introduction to a picture book. More serendipity. The introduction is by James Mustich, Jr., founder of A Common Reader, a periodical I adored as a young stay-at-home mom, filled with recommendations of books Mustich had run across and loved. I recently put my money where my mouth is and bought in-hand and ebook copies of Mustich's book, 1000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List. You probably need to buy that book and read it, too.
A wonderful story. Magnificent illustrations. If you love picture books as I do, you really must get a copy and read this book.
And how did I come across this book? Pure serendipity. I found it in my Little Free Library and I thought I'd give it a quick read and put it back in the box. When I opened the book, I began to read a lovely and unexpectedly erudite introduction to a picture book. More serendipity. The introduction is by James Mustich, Jr., founder of A Common Reader, a periodical I adored as a young stay-at-home mom, filled with recommendations of books Mustich had run across and loved. I recently put my money where my mouth is and bought in-hand and ebook copies of Mustich's book, 1000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List. You probably need to buy that book and read it, too.
February 24, 2020
Picture book with excellent illustrations
Read
May 23, 2023“Zoom love water. Not to drink — he liked cream to drink –Zoom liked water to play with.”
Zoom is a small cat who in the opening pages of this first book straps two wooden spoons to his paws so he can paddle in a sink full of water. This opens up an idea in him to make a small boat for the tub. Lastly he goes into the attic finding several sea-going artifacts and learns that his uncle is a sailor cat and that Zoom does not live very far from the sea.
From there, he meets with his uncle’s former owner, tell her who is, and is invited in. There, she has a giant wooden wheel attached to the wall and when she spins it, it opens up letting in a huge amount of water, sand, and sea creatures. She then opens a bad and lets out all kind of birds from the sea. Zoom gets to play all day and at the end, he thanks her and says he will be back.
The book is delightful and tender. The art style is pencil on white paper, so everything is delicate looking, and has a kind of Chris Van Allsburg element to it, but with the text as well. Zoom is a little white cat, but he’s always dressed in some way — like with a captain’s hat or a scarf. The town itself looks like something out of a Miyazaki film, which perfectly fits the tone of the book. I also have a little cat who is obsessed with water, and it’s always hilarious to watch her be curious and do stupid little things with it.
Zoom is a small cat who in the opening pages of this first book straps two wooden spoons to his paws so he can paddle in a sink full of water. This opens up an idea in him to make a small boat for the tub. Lastly he goes into the attic finding several sea-going artifacts and learns that his uncle is a sailor cat and that Zoom does not live very far from the sea.
From there, he meets with his uncle’s former owner, tell her who is, and is invited in. There, she has a giant wooden wheel attached to the wall and when she spins it, it opens up letting in a huge amount of water, sand, and sea creatures. She then opens a bad and lets out all kind of birds from the sea. Zoom gets to play all day and at the end, he thanks her and says he will be back.
The book is delightful and tender. The art style is pencil on white paper, so everything is delicate looking, and has a kind of Chris Van Allsburg element to it, but with the text as well. Zoom is a little white cat, but he’s always dressed in some way — like with a captain’s hat or a scarf. The town itself looks like something out of a Miyazaki film, which perfectly fits the tone of the book. I also have a little cat who is obsessed with water, and it’s always hilarious to watch her be curious and do stupid little things with it.
August 10, 2017
Zoom is a cat who loves water and longs for adventure at sea. When he discovers a map to the ocean in the attic, left by his Uncle Roy, a ship's captain, he sets out to explore and has a fantastical journey.
The crosshatched black and white line drawings are thoughtfully depicted, with many skillful small details that enhance the story of a seafaring, ocean-loving household. The tale itself is laced with elements of fantasy and ambiguity that will make it intriguing for young readers. Where does Zoom's "ocean" come from? Who, exactly, is Maria, and what is her relationship to the mysterious seagoing Captain Roy? The illustrations and the story will stir readers' imaginations as well as interest in further Zoom adventures (this book was followed by Zoom Away and Zoom Upstream). Illustrator Eric Beddows (Ken Nutt) won the Canadian Library Association's Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award for best illustrated children's book for both Zoom at Sea and Zoom Away. A School Library Journal Top 100 picture book.
The crosshatched black and white line drawings are thoughtfully depicted, with many skillful small details that enhance the story of a seafaring, ocean-loving household. The tale itself is laced with elements of fantasy and ambiguity that will make it intriguing for young readers. Where does Zoom's "ocean" come from? Who, exactly, is Maria, and what is her relationship to the mysterious seagoing Captain Roy? The illustrations and the story will stir readers' imaginations as well as interest in further Zoom adventures (this book was followed by Zoom Away and Zoom Upstream). Illustrator Eric Beddows (Ken Nutt) won the Canadian Library Association's Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award for best illustrated children's book for both Zoom at Sea and Zoom Away. A School Library Journal Top 100 picture book.
October 25, 2021
The artwork is excellent and the book would have been enjoyed without the fun and creative story. Wonderful book to read to children who like imaginative and creative ( think not disney) stories. Not the best choice for children just beginning to read. I enjoyed this book very much. Will treasure for many years.
May 7, 2019
I really liked this book! It was magical and exciting! It also didn't hurt to have the MC be a cat :)
Read with kindergarten and at first it was a tad wordy but it gets a little less as you read on. I would definitely read again with another class.
Read with kindergarten and at first it was a tad wordy but it gets a little less as you read on. I would definitely read again with another class.
September 6, 2019
This was one of my favourite picture books from childhood but I hadn't read it in years. I didn't remember the title but the pictures had such a hold on me that they've shown up in my dreams. It's just as beautiful and magical as I remembered.
April 26, 2021
The pictures are in black and white which is good for students to see that not every book is in color. It shows different illustrations, but the pictures still seem very real at the same time. This story had good content.
December 18, 2017
Klasyczna historia o kotku, który uwielbiał bawić się wodą, wzbogacona o nowe wydanie w twardej okładce ze szkicami Erica Beddowsa.
March 26, 2019
Full of whiskers and whimseys.
January 18, 2020
very cute
March 18, 2021
My most favourite early childhood book <3 The adventures of a cat at sea... I think I know why I have two cats and a sail boat :P
February 18, 2023
It’s on James Mustich’s 1000 books to read list so I read it. Very cute children‘s book about a cat named Zoom who loves water and goes voyaging on the sea. The illustrations are gorgeous
June 28, 2023
Delightful! I wish I could find the other books in the series.
March 17, 2025
Wynne-Jones Waltz #1
Zoom #1
First in trilogy is an ok little read, and sure to be popular with the young reader set, it even ends with a to be continued which is not as dramatic as it sounds!
Zoom #1
First in trilogy is an ok little read, and sure to be popular with the young reader set, it even ends with a to be continued which is not as dramatic as it sounds!
August 31, 2025
My friend told me how the second book in this series was her favourite children's book and wow, I understand. It's fanciful, funny, human and full of wonder. Cozy and clever.
December 31, 2012
“Le Matou Marin” is an absolutely joyous story: exquisitely, emotionally depicting the most adorable cat you ever saw, in a captain’s hat! ‘Bébert’ is presumably ‘Zoom’ from the English “Zoom At Sea”, famous in Tim Wynne-Jones stories. Determining the English title was tricky. French doesn’t translate well and there is a different artist for this French version I encountered at a garage sale. Ken Nutt isn’t listed on English titles but every page is wonderfully vivid, with the effect of bringing mobility to life. Readers feel the action tangibly in black & white drawings of tremendous depth!
This polite, creative kitty fulfills his wish to go sailing for real. Bébert habitually used household items like wooden spoons, wicker baskets, and the kitchen tap to simulate rowing experiences for fun. In an attic, he discovers the portrait, telescope, captain’s hat, and diary of an ‘Oncle Roy’. He is elated that a relative loved sailing like he does and had actually pursued it. Better still, there was a business or name card with an address he could take a bus to. My favourite portrait is of ‘Maria’ answering the door to this daintily-sitting white cat on the doorstep, cute and of the utmost manners, smiling hopefully with the telescope at his feet.
There is no explanation of how she does it, or why sea birds and other marine life emerge out of jugs, pots, and pans in her home. It’s exciting that at the turn of an impressive dial, her home opens up to the sea and Bébert sails a real raft to his heart’s content. He thanks her for this marvellous day and is welcomed to return as much as he likes. This story, that I’d love to see extended more deeply, is pure bliss and joy all the way through.
This polite, creative kitty fulfills his wish to go sailing for real. Bébert habitually used household items like wooden spoons, wicker baskets, and the kitchen tap to simulate rowing experiences for fun. In an attic, he discovers the portrait, telescope, captain’s hat, and diary of an ‘Oncle Roy’. He is elated that a relative loved sailing like he does and had actually pursued it. Better still, there was a business or name card with an address he could take a bus to. My favourite portrait is of ‘Maria’ answering the door to this daintily-sitting white cat on the doorstep, cute and of the utmost manners, smiling hopefully with the telescope at his feet.
There is no explanation of how she does it, or why sea birds and other marine life emerge out of jugs, pots, and pans in her home. It’s exciting that at the turn of an impressive dial, her home opens up to the sea and Bébert sails a real raft to his heart’s content. He thanks her for this marvellous day and is welcomed to return as much as he likes. This story, that I’d love to see extended more deeply, is pure bliss and joy all the way through.
July 8, 2008
This series is so sweetly written and illustrated, it just begs you to pick it up. Zoom is a little round kitty looking for his sailor Uncle, and the way he travels the globe is absolutely magical. Lavishly illustrated in soft pencil/wash drawings that engage little ones and make the rest of us smile. Great companion books to the "Orlando" series.
April 21, 2009
A fantastical adventure of a cat named Zoom has he attempts to follow his Uncle Roy to the sea.
The illustrations are really the stand-out element of this book - a deserving winner of the Amelia Francis Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award.
The illustrations are really the stand-out element of this book - a deserving winner of the Amelia Francis Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award.
December 27, 2019
I had to do a screening read. The PandaBat was afraid this would make her cry. No such. Cool and weird, it reminds me of David Weisners books, but with much more text, and totally different art.
July 2, 2014
I found all three Zoom books in beautiful condition at Mariposa Public Library in the Friends of Library books for sale room. It was like uncovering buried treasure. What a joy to read all three in one sitting!
April 26, 2015
Oh, wow. With illustrations that evoke Van Allsburg at his best, this fantastic adventure of a cat going to sea is eminently satisfying. I can see why they published a 35 anniversary edition. Still a worthy purchase.
July 15, 2009
The pictures for this book are great! And the story was simple. But this book was so smelly I such a time trying to read it!
August 12, 2009
Interesting fantasy about a cat that longs to go to sea. OK.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews