Serendipity

Serendipity

by Stephen Cosgrove, Robin James (Illustrator)

A large sea creature discovers she has important work to do as guardian of all the seas.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Fantasy, Animals, Juvenile, Classics

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just because I actually remember it means it was worth a five star. My love of big eyed animals began with the Cosgrove books.

[Andrew Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books i remember reading and i still misplace the emphasis the way i did then, that was a big word.

[Kimberly Karalius · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG the memories! My love for this book comes from an experience, even though it IS a cute book with striking illustrations. When I was in grammar school, I had been assigned to read this book to a little boy. He wasn't much younger than me, but it had been a great memory and I never forgot the book because of it.

Now that I have my own copy as an adult, I love the story itself about finding your purpose, even if you don't know where you came from :)

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I still love this book. Yes, it is a bit preachy and feel good. But it is so wonderful. Cosgrove tale about a sea serpent is something I will always remember.

[Robert Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit that when I was a child in the 1970's, I was not aware of these delightful magical books by Stephen Cosgrove, I guess they just didn't enter my orbit. But, they are very splendid and still hold up today. They are very economically bound and I am surprised that the copies I obtained from my local library are not only original 1974 editions, but they are very well preserved.

I first read Wheedle on the Needle last year, which is something of a cult favorite up in the Pacific Northwest, it inspired a real life mascot which followed the Seattle Supersonics during the 1970's & 80's.still remembered fondly even today. In any event, these little books are simply splendid.

[Tiffany PSquared · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had such a strong impact on me that I would re-read it long after I was out of the "recommended age group".
I got this book - and several others in the series - from a book-by-mail service that my grandparents ordered for me and my younger cousin. We loved them!
Not only did I fall in love with this adorable pink sea monster, but I was so proud to learn how to pronounce the book's title - one of the biggest words I knew at the time!

[StrangeBedfellows · Rating 3 out of 5]

To me, this is a classic among children's books. I loved it as a child, and I'm nostalgic over it as an adult. Cosgrove creates wonderful stories for children that combine fantastical characters with meaningful lessons. The illustrations are absolutely fabulous and could capture the imagination of any child. I highly recommend this and the rest of Cosgrove's books.

[The Winter Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Serendipity books, how I love thee.
These along with the Whisper the Winged Unicorn series were my favorites as a child. Love them. They always had such great messages. There was so much warmth in the stories and the artwork.

[Savvy ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute little book! So fun!!! Perfect for elementary students!!!

[Eli Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is incredibly sweet and tender. beautiful trans and queer story.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire Serendipity collection of books are children's storytelling classics. This is the first book in the series and it's the first one I read as a child. As a child I owned this one, Creole, Bangalee and Crabby Gabby, all softcovers and ordered through my school's book order club. These timeless treasures were a great memory from my childhood. I still have the original 4 books I had back then. They are the only kids books I had and didn't get rid of on my way to adulthood. These books are warm, insightful, wise and utterly charming in every way. One of the best series in children's literature. I don't know any child who wouldn't love these books. Great for young and old! Do yourself a favour and get a complete set. You will not be sorry you did!!!

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book with easy writing and some gorgeous pictures (not as beautiful as some of the other Serendipity illustrations). The story introduces us to the main character of the series, which is an unknown sea creature born from a mysterious egg resting on an iceberg.

Being one of the first stories there are actually two lessons although like each other book in the series the main one is the one that emphasized.

The only thing I found wrong with this one is that all the fishes were to gather at the Island of Capri. Amazingly the author included whales and dolphins as fishes when they are actually mammals but fortunately kids aren't as picky with the facts as some of us adults.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Serendipity family of books was a treasured part of my childhood. There seemed to be hundreds of these things, all featuring hippyish illustrations of various creatures with heavily-lashed, sad liquid eyes a la the famous Gig “big-eye” paintings.

This is the story that gave the series its name. It contains a genuine (if heavy-handed) message against polluting the oceans and mistreating the creatures who live in it.

[Mishqueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Serendipity series always leaves me with a balmy, peaceful (nostalgic) feeling, as though I've just traveled somewhere else where my own world doesn't exist. I know they are just simple little books, but the illustrations and basic storylines create the perfect atmosphere and have the feeling of a fairytale (even though they aren't).

[Edward Sojuwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is, as they say in the comics, the origin of a sea monster who becomes a superhero a guardian of the ocean's ecosystem, a reptilian Captain Planet. Born on an uncharted island from a pink egg, Serendipity is a serpent who's dippity about herself. She wants to know who and what she is, and a walrus is there to show her: she's Serendipity, the name meaning the power to find riches you never seek. With help from the walrus and a dolphin they rescue, Seren finds a lot of good stuff, opportunities for heroism she never knew she was capable of achieving: with her ever expanding bulk, she takes on fishermen hurting the dolphin and starts kicking ass, though in a nice way that leaves them alive. Soon sea creatures will revere her, and those who poison the oceans of the world will fear her, and the sequels.....will come! The Serendipity series is off to a good start. Those concerned with environmental issues will especially love this work. Seren is Da Monster!
Four stars
Take a Seren Dip inta da pool!!! Seren ROCKS!!!

[Michelle Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am excited to find the Serendipity series on Goodreads. Cosgrove's books were an important part of my childhood. Because I loved books AND because my mother held the purse strings tight as far as clothes and toys that offered entry into Society (I completely missed the whole Barbie thing except for a knock-off Cowgirl Barbie--Barby?--with a large head and man hands that didn't work with any of the official Barbie accoutrement) my mother overcompensated by indulging in books. Hey, I didn't complain, and though I don't remember every single book in the Serendipity series, I know that my mother and I quested to find all these lovely little tomes even when I was well past the appropriate reading level.

But rest assured, my social toy aspirations were mitigated by My Little Pony, obviously linked in my mother's mind with Cosgrove's art.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

Pure magic!

After spending years on an iceberg, a mysterious egg hatches and a curious sea creature is born. Not knowing who or what she is, she journeys to the Island of Capri for answers. Along the way, she meets new friends, helps others, and learns about the troubles of the world.

A simply magical tale. I adore Serendipity and her role as guardian of the seas.

James' illustrations are absolutely wonderful. Her work is always lovely, but there is a certain magic to this one.

Nice messages about kindness, helping others, and caring for the seas.

A fantastic read that is just as relevant today as when it was first published.

[Ayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Greenpeace classic. A young sea serpent is hatched and they name her Serendipity. She helps those who need helping and becomes protector of the seas. I loved when she caused a wave to wash up all the oil and garbage that was floating near an Island back on to the Island dwelllers , maybe they’ll think twice before sending their garbage into the ocean?
Very cute pictures with sweet character illustrations . A wonderful book for bedtime and teaching moral responsibilities.

[Rhiannon Schoener · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my FAVORITE book when I was little. I checked it out from the library so much it became annoying to the adults in my life. Unfortunately, I completely forgot what it was about until now, but WOW am I happy I reread it and remember! 5-year-old me and adult me can both appreciate a nice chaotic good coming-of-age story about helping those in need and messing with humans for messing with the environment. I loved it 20 years ago and I love it now. 100/10.

[K.A. Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cosgrove’s books are among my all time favorites. Not only did I love reading the books in this series over and over again, but I still have them to this day! His books are some of the only books I have held onto since childhood. Beautiful stories and illustrations. Love, Love this book and the others in this series that were published by Weekly Reader so many years ago!

[Ashley Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books in early elementary school when I was first learning how to read and wanting to read every cute picture book in the school library. I bought a copy of this book so I could read it for the memories. I’m glad I did. It’s still adorable! ❤️
And I love how Serendipity threw all the people’s ocean trash back on them all like “fuck y’all” 😂

[Dayveen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to re-read some books from my childhood. I've started with the Serendipity Series (70 books) by Stephen Cosgrove. The first book I've read is Serendipity. I really like the short stories with animals that teach you life lessons. Reading this book brought back wonderful memories of my mom teaching me to read when I was little.

[Jessica Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this series as an elementary student. I would always check out the books from the school library. The illustrations are so unique and colorful! This series definitely planted a seed in my heart, which would turn into a passion for drawing and painting. ❤

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new creature goes on a journey with a new friend to figure out who or what she is. She saves a stranger and cleans the ocean by sending the trash back up shore. She is named "Serendipity" and is courageous which answers both her questions. She is guardian of the sea.

[Honesty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a cute sea monster?

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up with the whole Serendipity series. I begged my parents to not give them away while I was at college. Alas, they didn't listen, so I will be hunting for them now that I have a baby.

[Wendopolis · Rating 5 out of 5]

a good childhood memory

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my FAVORITE when I was little! I must have checked it out of my school library 40 times!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as a kid. And it introduced me to the word serendipity which is, now that I think about it, one of my favorite words. It's meaning is neat and it is fun to say.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book because of its illustrations, the story about learning who you are, and the moral of the story which is understanding the dangers of polluting the oceans.