The Wide, Wide Sea, written by Anna Wilson and illustrated by Jenny Løvlie,  is published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with the National Trust and will make a valuable addition to any bookshelf, school library or topic box. This lyrical text explores two days in the life of a little girl enjoying the excitement of sharing the delights of an unspoilt beach with her grandmother.

Whilst gazing out at the horizon she spots a seal which tempts her in for a swim and in her imagination she dives with the seal to explore the seabed and its treasures. When storm clouds gather, they head for home just in time to avoid the lightning and storm which the night brings. The next morning, anxious to check on “her” seal, the little girl is horrified to find the beach strewn with the litter and detritus of humans. With the help of lots of other caring locals, they pick up all the litter and when she spots the seal watching them she makes a promise that “Things will be different one day”.

The double-page spreads capture the sense of freedom you get from the expanse of the coastline and are rich with the flora and fauna of the beach. The use of framing changes the tone when the girl imagines herself as a seal swimming into the depths below the waves.

Reading The Wide Wide Sea is likely to generate lots of questions from children and be a catalyst to find out more about the coastal habitat and to discuss the environmental impact of pollution. A perfect information book to nurture this curiosity is Seashore by Victoria Munson, read more here.

(Review by Nicola)