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To the Sea
Sometimes Tim feels invisible at school-until one day, when Tim meets Sam. But Sam isn't just any new friend: he's a blue whale, and he can't find his way home! Returning Sam to the sea is hard work, but Tim is determined to help. After all, it's not every day you meet a new friend!
This picture book about the power of friendship by new talent Cale Atkinson is brought to life by charming, dynamic illustrations.
This picture book about the power of friendship by new talent Cale Atkinson is brought to life by charming, dynamic illustrations.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2015
4 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Cale Atkinson
49 books174 followersCale Atkinson is an illustrator/writer/animator currently residing in Kelowna Canada.
Believing in tea more than sleep, Cale is constantly working on numerous projects. His work can be found in children’s books, animated shorts, television, and games.
Publishers Cale has worked with include Disney Hyperion, Tundra, Simon and Schuster, Doubleday, KidsCan Press, Owl Books, Grosset & Dunlap, GreyStone, Scholastic, Pearson, and Marvel.
Believing in tea more than sleep, Cale is constantly working on numerous projects. His work can be found in children’s books, animated shorts, television, and games.
Publishers Cale has worked with include Disney Hyperion, Tundra, Simon and Schuster, Doubleday, KidsCan Press, Owl Books, Grosset & Dunlap, GreyStone, Scholastic, Pearson, and Marvel.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
February 14, 2021
THIS IS THE CUTEST FREAKING BOOK EVER THE ARTWORK IS SO NICE TOO OMG
January 19, 2026
"One day after school...Tim met Sam. Sam lived in the sea but took a wrong turn and got stuck here."Sam (the giant whale) is stuck on Tim (the human)'s school playground - but none of the other kids seem to notice or care. The two quickly become friends when Tim realizes that he often felt ignored as well.
"I see you," said Tim.
"I see you too," said Sam.
They both felt better knowing they weren't invisible."
Tim gets Sam a glass of water and the two of them begin to enact a plan to return Sam to the ocean.
I've been reading a lot by Cale Atkinson and this one did NOT disappoint!
I'm a sucker for sweet stories about unlikely friendships, and this one got me hook, line, and sinker!
I adored watching how Tim kept trying to help Sam (even when the problem felt monumental). The drawings that Tim made as he was figuring out his plan were hilarious, especially the 'final draft' that they ended up going with!
The way the art was drawn was absolutely wonderful. The characters were so stinking cute and the limited color palette did a fabulous job of emphasizing the characters and their actions.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this story!
March 21, 2018
Another beautiful story about friendship.
August 29, 2015
I have a new favorite picture book friendship - I adored Tim & Sam and their story of finding a friend when they previously felt invisible. The color palette is striking and the illustrations are fabulously endearing. Loved this one!
July 6, 2015
Being invisible. Explicit theme.
February 13, 2021
This is a gorgeous story of friendship.
Tim feels invisible until he meets Sam, a stranded whale. No one else noticed him. Tim felt that no one noticed him either. Both of them felt better knowing they weren't invisible. Tim goes out of his way and achieves the impossible to get his new friend back to the sea. It looks like he might just make a new land based friend at the end of it.
Orange text is set against a palette of bright orange, dark green and blue stunning illustrations.
Tim feels invisible until he meets Sam, a stranded whale. No one else noticed him. Tim felt that no one noticed him either. Both of them felt better knowing they weren't invisible. Tim goes out of his way and achieves the impossible to get his new friend back to the sea. It looks like he might just make a new land based friend at the end of it.
Orange text is set against a palette of bright orange, dark green and blue stunning illustrations.
December 28, 2017
Piya Gofy got me this book. Sam is a big blue whale and he says "I see you". The boy is me. And I meet Gofy. He's a googoogaga Gofs playing on the sand.
February 5, 2019
When Tim encounters a stranded blue whale named Sam on his way home from school one day, the young boy befriends the lost cetacean, promising to help him return to the sea. His initial ideas - driving, flying, etc. - prove less than effective, but then he hits upon the solution: he will use his bicycle to tow Sam down to the shore. When Tim's efforts leave him stranded in the sea, just as Sam was stranded on land, will his new friend return the favor...?
A sweet little tale of the friendship between boy and whale, Cale Atkinson's To the Sea put me in mind of Mac Barnett and Adam Rex's Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem , a humorous picture-book about a young boy who gets a blue whale for a pet. Although done in a very different illustrative style, Atkinson's story had visual as well as narrative similarities to the Barnett/Rex production, which featured a boy on a bicycle towing a blue whale on its front cover, just as To the Sea did on its rear cover. Perhaps Atkinson was influenced by that earlier tale? Whatever the case may be, this is a gentle, engaging tale of friendship made and reciprocated, one sure to appeal to young children who dream of whales, or just of making a friend that feels as much of a fish out of water as they do.
A sweet little tale of the friendship between boy and whale, Cale Atkinson's To the Sea put me in mind of Mac Barnett and Adam Rex's Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem , a humorous picture-book about a young boy who gets a blue whale for a pet. Although done in a very different illustrative style, Atkinson's story had visual as well as narrative similarities to the Barnett/Rex production, which featured a boy on a bicycle towing a blue whale on its front cover, just as To the Sea did on its rear cover. Perhaps Atkinson was influenced by that earlier tale? Whatever the case may be, this is a gentle, engaging tale of friendship made and reciprocated, one sure to appeal to young children who dream of whales, or just of making a friend that feels as much of a fish out of water as they do.
December 2, 2015
To the Sea by Cale Atkinson – Beautiful little friendship story. Very cute. Appreciated the friendship and the characters who appreciated not feeling invisible to everyone. Good book for discussing loneliness. This book had the best best best book trailer I’ve seen for the longest time.
June 13, 2015
So adorable!
February 16, 2021
I enjoyed this book as a virtual read aloud conducted by Storytime 4kids. Loved the shiny pages and can't wait to hold a print copy in my hands. I'll more thoroughly review once I get a chance to read it, myself.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!!
December 3, 2017
Cuteness overload!
April 26, 2018
Lovely illustration! A cute story about finding a friend.
December 29, 2017
Such a beautiful story of friendship, belonging, love, and compassion. Not only is Atkinson's storytelling truly moving, but he also conveys so much emotion through his illustrations.
Read
July 5, 2015The best time to search for treasure is in the spring. With the extremely cold winters and lower water levels, more area freezes. The ice dredges up gems from the rocky and sandy bottom of Lake Michigan. Petoskey stones are plentiful.
The closest I have come to discovering living riches are glimpses of white-tailed deer splashing in the waves, seagulls looking for free food and drifting and diving ducks. To the Sea (Disney Hyperion, June 2, 2015) written and illustrated by Cale Atkinson explores being in the moment. To find someone who is not used to being seen by others changes everything for both beings.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
The closest I have come to discovering living riches are glimpses of white-tailed deer splashing in the waves, seagulls looking for free food and drifting and diving ducks. To the Sea (Disney Hyperion, June 2, 2015) written and illustrated by Cale Atkinson explores being in the moment. To find someone who is not used to being seen by others changes everything for both beings.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
October 27, 2015
My wife just read this to our kindergartner and I was absolutely blown away. The visuals are spectacular; the contrast that is so forced and contrived in so many recent films is put to great effect here. The inside world and things associated with it are vibrant orange and the sea, water, rain and the like are in lovely, greens and blues.
The narrative is lovely and meaningful. The boy steps up with kindness and sincerity and saves the whale. It's the kind of simple, wonderful story that sounds unimportant in synopsis. If you've got a little one or are a teacher or librarian or anyone else who reads to kids, do them a favor and put this on your storytime list.
Well done, Mr. Atkinson. I see you.
The narrative is lovely and meaningful. The boy steps up with kindness and sincerity and saves the whale. It's the kind of simple, wonderful story that sounds unimportant in synopsis. If you've got a little one or are a teacher or librarian or anyone else who reads to kids, do them a favor and put this on your storytime list.
Well done, Mr. Atkinson. I see you.
June 8, 2015
Tim feels invisible until he finds a whale washed up on shore. When he and the whale are the only ones to notice each other, they form a friendship. But Tim knows that whales belong in the ocean, and he's determined to save his friend -- even if the dangerous plan he comes up with puts Tim himself at risk.
This is a lovely story with strong, bold illustrations, a hopeful ending, and a nice message about appreciating one's friends. Some children may find the scene where Tim nearly drowns a little distressing, so adult guidance might be helpful.
This is a lovely story with strong, bold illustrations, a hopeful ending, and a nice message about appreciating one's friends. Some children may find the scene where Tim nearly drowns a little distressing, so adult guidance might be helpful.
August 28, 2015
GUH, I love the color scheme of this book. The deep oranges and teals make me shiver -- so good. I'm not sure how it would go over in story time, but I'm definitely going to try it. It has the right number of words and lots of good stuff to talk about, but it might be a little quiet for my usual crowds?
July 26, 2016
Adorable and beautiful story about being alone, finding friends, and helping your friends. Unlike previous whale-friend stories I've read, it also makes the point that Whales are not going to be healthy when kept in a pool, which is good.
December 2, 2015
Sweet story of friendship. A little melancholy - fitting for a story about feeling left out. I loved the illustration style.
April 16, 2017
Very cute friendship story for early primary groups. Loved Cale Atkinson's artwork too.
picture-books
August 11, 2022Storytime: 75 kids ages 0-5
Book one (3-4) minutes: Here Comes the Ocean by Meg Fleming
Song/rhyme/game one (3-4 minutes): Row Row Row Your boat with actions (pretend to row then whatever)
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream,
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream.
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream,
If you see a crocodile,
Don’t forget to scream.
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the river,
If you see a polar bear,
Don’t forget to shiver.
Rock, rock, rock the boat,
Gently down the shore,
If you see a dinosaur,
Don’t forget to roar.
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently across the lake,
If you see a jellyfish,
Don’t forget to shake.
Book two (3-4 minutes): To the Sea by Cale Atkinson
Song/rhyme/game two (3-4 minutes): Jellygish Song by GoNoodle
Book three (3-4 minutes): This is Not my Hat by Jon Klassen
Song/rhyme/game three (3-4 minutes): Princess Pat (repeat after me rhyme)
The Princess Pat (Flip hand up into crown)
Lived in a tree (stretch arms out to tree limbs)
She sailed across (move arm like ocean)
The seven C’s (put up 7 fingers then a C)
She sailed across (move arm like ocean)
The channel two (move hand down parallel to eachother then hold up two fingers)
And brought with her (move arm back like you’re saying bring it)
A rig-a-bamboo (do a twist)
A rig-a-bamboo (do a twist)
Now what is that (hold out hands confused)
It’s something made (place fists on top of each other)
By the princess pat (Flip hand up into crown)
Its red and gold (hold out right arm and twist finger round)
And purple too (hold out left arm and twist finger round)
That’s why its called (hold up hands like shouting)
A rig-a-bamboo (do a twist)
Now captain jack (salute)
Had a mighty fine crew (make muscle poses)
They sailed across (move arm like ocean)
The channel too (move hand down parallel to eachother then hold up two fingers)
His boat will sink (point down)
And so will you (point at crowd)
If you don’t have (hold out arms in a guess what gesture)
A rig-a-bamboo (do a twist)
A rig-a-bamboo (do a twist)
Now what is that (hold out hands confused)
It’s something made (place fists on top of each other)
By the princess pat (Flip hand up into crown)
Its red and gold (hold out right arm and twist finger round)
And purple too (hold out left arm and twist finger round)
That’s why its called (hold up hands like shouting)
A rig-a-bamboo (do a twist)
Book Four (3-4 minutes): Somewhere in the Ocean by Jennifer Ward
Special Signs: Ocean, whale, wet, sand, fish
Activity: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/im...
Book one (3-4) minutes: Here Comes the Ocean by Meg Fleming
Song/rhyme/game one (3-4 minutes): Row Row Row Your boat with actions (pretend to row then whatever)
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream,
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream.
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream,
If you see a crocodile,
Don’t forget to scream.
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the river,
If you see a polar bear,
Don’t forget to shiver.
Rock, rock, rock the boat,
Gently down the shore,
If you see a dinosaur,
Don’t forget to roar.
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently across the lake,
If you see a jellyfish,
Don’t forget to shake.
Book two (3-4 minutes): To the Sea by Cale Atkinson
Song/rhyme/game two (3-4 minutes): Jellygish Song by GoNoodle
Book three (3-4 minutes): This is Not my Hat by Jon Klassen
Song/rhyme/game three (3-4 minutes): Princess Pat (repeat after me rhyme)
The Princess Pat (Flip hand up into crown)
Lived in a tree (stretch arms out to tree limbs)
She sailed across (move arm like ocean)
The seven C’s (put up 7 fingers then a C)
She sailed across (move arm like ocean)
The channel two (move hand down parallel to eachother then hold up two fingers)
And brought with her (move arm back like you’re saying bring it)
A rig-a-bamboo (do a twist)
A rig-a-bamboo (do a twist)
Now what is that (hold out hands confused)
It’s something made (place fists on top of each other)
By the princess pat (Flip hand up into crown)
Its red and gold (hold out right arm and twist finger round)
And purple too (hold out left arm and twist finger round)
That’s why its called (hold up hands like shouting)
A rig-a-bamboo (do a twist)
Now captain jack (salute)
Had a mighty fine crew (make muscle poses)
They sailed across (move arm like ocean)
The channel too (move hand down parallel to eachother then hold up two fingers)
His boat will sink (point down)
And so will you (point at crowd)
If you don’t have (hold out arms in a guess what gesture)
A rig-a-bamboo (do a twist)
A rig-a-bamboo (do a twist)
Now what is that (hold out hands confused)
It’s something made (place fists on top of each other)
By the princess pat (Flip hand up into crown)
Its red and gold (hold out right arm and twist finger round)
And purple too (hold out left arm and twist finger round)
That’s why its called (hold up hands like shouting)
A rig-a-bamboo (do a twist)
Book Four (3-4 minutes): Somewhere in the Ocean by Jennifer Ward
Special Signs: Ocean, whale, wet, sand, fish
Activity: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/im...
April 18, 2019
If you’ve been following me for any bit of time at all, you have probably picked up on the fact that we LOVE a good friendship story in this house… Especially a good friendship story with a repeated refrain that children can grasp and apply to their own lives! We fell in love with To the Sea by Cale Atkinson a year and a half ago, and it’s been requested at least weekly, if not more, ever since then.
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To the Sea tells the story of Tim, who often feels unnoticed at school, until he meets an unexpected friend, a whale named Sam. Sam had taken a “wrong turn” and ended up stuck outside of Tim’s school, far away from his home in the sea. The power of simply “noticing” others resonates throughout the rest of the story, and the phrases, “I see you,” “It’s not every day you meet a friend,” and “Friends don’t let friends down” are repeated throughout the book.
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The illustrations in To the Sea, also done by Atkinson, are just as powerful as the simple text. Though the entire book is illustrated in shades of blue, green, and orange (with a bit of while here and there), Atkinson manages to change the emotional tone of the pictures, but still keep the same color palette, when the climax hits and the emotional state of the characters changes.
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So why do we love To the Sea? We love the unique feel of the illustrations and their eye-catching color palette. We love rooting Tim and Sam on as they find each other, and cheering for Tim as he helps Sam find his way home. But most importantly, we love the messages around friendship. The importance of feeling noticed, of noticing others, of keeping promises, of helping friends— these are wonderful conversation points for reading this book with children of all ages.
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Recommended for ages 3-5, but given the unique colors and short simple texts, this works well for younger children. To the Sea could also be read with older children during m social-emotional lessons on friendship.
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If you liked this, check out:
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
Brave Enough for Two by Jonathan Voss
Penguin and Pinecone: A Friendship Story by Salina Yoon
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To the Sea tells the story of Tim, who often feels unnoticed at school, until he meets an unexpected friend, a whale named Sam. Sam had taken a “wrong turn” and ended up stuck outside of Tim’s school, far away from his home in the sea. The power of simply “noticing” others resonates throughout the rest of the story, and the phrases, “I see you,” “It’s not every day you meet a friend,” and “Friends don’t let friends down” are repeated throughout the book.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The illustrations in To the Sea, also done by Atkinson, are just as powerful as the simple text. Though the entire book is illustrated in shades of blue, green, and orange (with a bit of while here and there), Atkinson manages to change the emotional tone of the pictures, but still keep the same color palette, when the climax hits and the emotional state of the characters changes.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So why do we love To the Sea? We love the unique feel of the illustrations and their eye-catching color palette. We love rooting Tim and Sam on as they find each other, and cheering for Tim as he helps Sam find his way home. But most importantly, we love the messages around friendship. The importance of feeling noticed, of noticing others, of keeping promises, of helping friends— these are wonderful conversation points for reading this book with children of all ages.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Recommended for ages 3-5, but given the unique colors and short simple texts, this works well for younger children. To the Sea could also be read with older children during m social-emotional lessons on friendship.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you liked this, check out:
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
Brave Enough for Two by Jonathan Voss
Penguin and Pinecone: A Friendship Story by Salina Yoon
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
March 3, 2018
A boy named Tim feels alone until he meets a blue whale named Sam. Since a blue whale should live in water, Tim makes his best efforts to take Sam to return home.
The story touches the feeling of isolation and unawareness in relation to friendship. By noticing each other, Tim and Sam could become friends. The affection from Tim towards Sam is well represented by illustrating glasses of water, a fish bowl, and turning a light on when Tim heads home leaving Sam behind. From Tim’s perspective, it must be the best he could do to his friend because a whale needs water to live, a toy for spending time, and a light for avoiding darkness. When Tim tries to pedal a bike to take Sam to the ocean, although it was quite difficult, Tim does not give up pedaling.
The overall background of the illustrations are rainy and dark, which are well matched to the mood of Tim’s and Sam’s loneliness. I love that the author uses distinctive colors contrary to the background—Tim is in a bright orange shirt and Sam is bluish green in color. The shift of feelings and comforts of characters were represented by changing the background colors in illustrations. For instance, at the end of the story, the sky became clear with sunlight and a blue sky which shows that their mission to take Sam to the ocean was completed. Some children might feel sad because Sam and Tim could not meet anymore because Sam lives in ocean and Tim lives in land. But, the illustration shows that each of them finds a new friend. Tim meets a new human friend on land and Sam meets another whale friend in the ocean. Underneath the illustrations, the text reads, “it’s not every day you meet a new friend, and it’s not every day they meet you (unpaged)”. Metaphorically, the illustrations represent that two characters overcome the loneliness and move forward to meet new friends.
The story touches the feeling of isolation and unawareness in relation to friendship. By noticing each other, Tim and Sam could become friends. The affection from Tim towards Sam is well represented by illustrating glasses of water, a fish bowl, and turning a light on when Tim heads home leaving Sam behind. From Tim’s perspective, it must be the best he could do to his friend because a whale needs water to live, a toy for spending time, and a light for avoiding darkness. When Tim tries to pedal a bike to take Sam to the ocean, although it was quite difficult, Tim does not give up pedaling.
The overall background of the illustrations are rainy and dark, which are well matched to the mood of Tim’s and Sam’s loneliness. I love that the author uses distinctive colors contrary to the background—Tim is in a bright orange shirt and Sam is bluish green in color. The shift of feelings and comforts of characters were represented by changing the background colors in illustrations. For instance, at the end of the story, the sky became clear with sunlight and a blue sky which shows that their mission to take Sam to the ocean was completed. Some children might feel sad because Sam and Tim could not meet anymore because Sam lives in ocean and Tim lives in land. But, the illustration shows that each of them finds a new friend. Tim meets a new human friend on land and Sam meets another whale friend in the ocean. Underneath the illustrations, the text reads, “it’s not every day you meet a new friend, and it’s not every day they meet you (unpaged)”. Metaphorically, the illustrations represent that two characters overcome the loneliness and move forward to meet new friends.
May 3, 2019
Tim doesn't have any friends and often feels like he is invisible. One day he comes across a whale named Sam, Sam had gotten lost and couldn't find his way back to the sea. Tim goes up to get sam a glass of water and they soon become friends. Tim promises to help sam get back to the ocean because friends dont let friends down. To find out if this pair of friends can find a way to get sam back to the ocean, be sure to read To The Sea
Opinion: *warning* do not read this book if you aren't ready to cry or feel very touched by sweet Tim. This book is so nice, The illustrations are fantastic and I love that the whale has this huge body and a little tiny face. I love when Tim had to go home but he left the same with “two glasses of water, some company and kept one light on.”
Classroom: the message of To the sea is that while you might not meet a new friend all the time, you are valued and important. This book is sure to resonate with any students that may feel invisible some times. To the sea is a great book and if used as a read-aloud is sure to make students feel like they are not alone.
Opinion: *warning* do not read this book if you aren't ready to cry or feel very touched by sweet Tim. This book is so nice, The illustrations are fantastic and I love that the whale has this huge body and a little tiny face. I love when Tim had to go home but he left the same with “two glasses of water, some company and kept one light on.”
Classroom: the message of To the sea is that while you might not meet a new friend all the time, you are valued and important. This book is sure to resonate with any students that may feel invisible some times. To the sea is a great book and if used as a read-aloud is sure to make students feel like they are not alone.
September 4, 2017
Besides the vibrant and eye catching illustrations and the wonderful story, my favourite thing about @2dcale books is the dedication. He always has the most fitting dedications in his books. To The Sea is dedicated "to anyone who feels invisible and any whale that needs to get back to the sea." In the book, Tim feels invisible until he meets Sam, a blue whale, who sees him. Tim helps Sam figure out how to get back to the sea. Don't we all just need a friend sometimes, one who sees us for who we are? Friendship is a very powerful thing, especially for a child.
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Use this book to start a conversation about friendship. How do friends make us feel? What makes a good friend? Are there times when you feel invisible? You can also combine this book with a visit to a local museum or aquarium to learn more about blue whales.
🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋
Use this book to start a conversation about friendship. How do friends make us feel? What makes a good friend? Are there times when you feel invisible? You can also combine this book with a visit to a local museum or aquarium to learn more about blue whales.
January 11, 2021
Naar de zee. Door Cale Atkinson.
Na Jip Ahoi is dit het tweede zee-boek van Cale Atkinson. Wederom is het prachtig geschreven en getekend. En hoewel ik fan was van Jip Ahoi ben ik nog meer fan van Naar de zee.
In dit boek is het kleurgebruik soberder, zijn de woorden spaarzamer en dat maakt het geheel tot een uitgepuurde parel. Het verhaal van Tim, die zich op school onzichtbaar voelt, en Sam de walvis, die de weg naar huis niet meer weet, is poëtisch ontroerend. De vriendschap tussen beide wezens is van een grote schoonheid, mede door de paginavullende overweldigende tekeningen.
Naar de zee is een gedicht in boekvorm. Het is een hart onder de riem voor iedereen die zich wel eens niet gezien voelt. Een donker boek dat licht brengt en je hart verwarmt. Benieuwd naar het volgende (zee)-boek van Atkinson, ik ben fan!
Na Jip Ahoi is dit het tweede zee-boek van Cale Atkinson. Wederom is het prachtig geschreven en getekend. En hoewel ik fan was van Jip Ahoi ben ik nog meer fan van Naar de zee.
In dit boek is het kleurgebruik soberder, zijn de woorden spaarzamer en dat maakt het geheel tot een uitgepuurde parel. Het verhaal van Tim, die zich op school onzichtbaar voelt, en Sam de walvis, die de weg naar huis niet meer weet, is poëtisch ontroerend. De vriendschap tussen beide wezens is van een grote schoonheid, mede door de paginavullende overweldigende tekeningen.
Naar de zee is een gedicht in boekvorm. Het is een hart onder de riem voor iedereen die zich wel eens niet gezien voelt. Een donker boek dat licht brengt en je hart verwarmt. Benieuwd naar het volgende (zee)-boek van Atkinson, ik ben fan!
February 9, 2018
Tim (a boy) meets Sam (a whale). Sam got lost on his way to the sea. Can Tim help him get there?
A lovely story about friendship and keeping promises. The illustrations are great. The whale is adorable (as are his reasons for getting lost: not knowing his lefts from his rights).
The only problem I had with the book was the names. Tim and Sam. Sam and Tim. They run together. Which is which? I could see the storytime kids getting confused.
Still, the cute story, brief text, and fabulous illustrations make this a good potential storytime book. I will certainly consider it for one of my summer picks when we get into beaches and whales.
A lovely story about friendship and keeping promises. The illustrations are great. The whale is adorable (as are his reasons for getting lost: not knowing his lefts from his rights).
The only problem I had with the book was the names. Tim and Sam. Sam and Tim. They run together. Which is which? I could see the storytime kids getting confused.
Still, the cute story, brief text, and fabulous illustrations make this a good potential storytime book. I will certainly consider it for one of my summer picks when we get into beaches and whales.
January 7, 2026
To the Sea is one of those rare picture books that quietly touches your heart and stays with you. Cale Atkinson has created a beautiful story about friendship, kindness, and what it means to truly see someone. Tim and Sam’s bond feels gentle and genuine, and the way their friendship unfolds is both magical and deeply relatable for readers of any age.
The artwork is warm, expressive, and full of charm, and the message shines through so clearly helping others and standing by your friends matters. This is the kind of book that reminds you of the power of connection in the sweetest way. A tender, uplifting story that children will love and adults will appreciate just as much.
The artwork is warm, expressive, and full of charm, and the message shines through so clearly helping others and standing by your friends matters. This is the kind of book that reminds you of the power of connection in the sweetest way. A tender, uplifting story that children will love and adults will appreciate just as much.
January 27, 2019
1/26/2019 ~ A lovely story about helping others, feeling invisible, and making unlikely friends. I couldn't quite get past the idea that a small boy could tow a whale behind his bike through a city and to the ocean.
I'm always fascinated when I pick up my stack of holds at the public library. When I see the books there, I don't always remember why or when I requested them. In this case, I was especially curious about the appearance of two Cale Atkinson books. However, after reading something else by this author/illustrator, I must have decided to do a mini-author study.
I'm always fascinated when I pick up my stack of holds at the public library. When I see the books there, I don't always remember why or when I requested them. In this case, I was especially curious about the appearance of two Cale Atkinson books. However, after reading something else by this author/illustrator, I must have decided to do a mini-author study.
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