Out to Sea

When Lara loses her grandmother, her sadness becomes unfathomable. She remembers her nana’s sweet, strawberry scent as she lays in bed unable to sleep. Her tears fall in a never-ending stream. They fill up her room, break free, and carry her out to sea, far away from all she knows and loves. She’s lost in a whirlwind of loneliness and despair. At last, she reaches the ocean floor, and there, she discovers something shiny and smooth––a beautiful pearl waiting to be claimed. Almost magically, it enables her to see the illuminating light of a future with hope and happiness.

Any child who’s lost someone important to them will find this story heartening. Not only does it focus on the despair and loss Lara experiences, which many children will be able to relate to, it also offers a message of hope and healing. It shows that it’s possible to move on while not letting go of memories. The poignant and captivating presence of the illustrations in Out to Sea adds depth and allure, which would be difficult to capture with words alone. Youth aged five to nine will favor their soft, welcoming, watercolor hues and will hold this tale in their hearts for years to come.