Off & Away

by Cale Atkinson

How would you get mail if you lived in the middle of the sea? It's Jo's dad's job to deliver it, taking bottles wherever they need to go. He always comes home with exciting stories to tell -- but Jo is far too afraid to go out on the ocean herself. Until Dad gets a bad sea cold, that is. With no one but Jo to deliver the bottles, she must find her courage and set sail alone. As she embarks on her mission, her fears just might be replaced with new friendships . . . and grand stories of her own. With beautiful, atmospheric art and endearing new characters by author-illustrator Cale Atkinson, this picturebook is a treasure.

Genres: Picture Books, Adventure, Childrens, Fantasy, Storytime, Family, Animals

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2018

About the author

Cale 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.

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Out at sea, there is a place where all the messages in bottles gather. Jo's dad made sure every bottle got to the right home."

Every day Jo's dad delivers all of the message bottles that arrive on the doorstop (well, more like bob around beach) and Jo is really proud of him.

One day, Jo wants to be just like her dad. Only one problem...she was afraid of what was beneath the ocean. So she stays behind and waits to hear of the wonderful adventures her dad goes on.

But one day, her dad has a really, really bad cold. He cannot deliver the messages - and Jo needs to summon ALL of her courage to become an adventurer!

I thought this was a really cute story!

I've read quite a few Cale Atkinson books and every time I pick one up, I'm blown away by the illustrations. I'm so impressed by the emotions, expressions and overall cuteness of the characters.

I also really like all of the attention to detail surrounding the backgrounds and various bits and bobs in the story. I love that you can just LOOK at the page and discover all sorts of quirks.

The story was short and sweet - I was impressed by Jo's bravery (despite being so scared) and was pleasantly surprised by the end! I cannot wait to read more books by Atkinson!!

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo wants to be a sailor. There’s just one problem: she’s afraid of what lurks beneath the ocean. When her father becomes sick, Jo must face her fears.

The drawings are vivid and fun. We loved that Jo ending up discovering that what we fear isn’t always what we expect.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo must help her dad deliver all the message-in-a-bottle bottles to their correct homes when her dad falls ill. She bravely ventures out to all the remote and scary places, even to a place her dad had never visited.

Off & Away is a story full of kid appeal, with bright and deliciously scary-looking monsters, lots of fun adventures, and a main character who overcomes her fears and makes new friends.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jo and her dad lived in a part of the sea where messages in bottles collected, and her dad ran "Off & Away," a delivery service that made sure these stray missives found their appropriate recipient. Jo admired her dad, but never joined him on his journeys, being afraid of the monsters she believed to be lurking underneath the ocean surface. Then one day her dad came down with a terrible cold, and it fell to Jo to attempt to conquer her fears, and deliver the lost bottles...

Off & Away, Canadian author/illustrator Cale Atkinson's newest picture-book, is an absolute delight! The story is entertaining, with an engrossing plot-line sure to speak to young children with fears of their own. The idea that our perceptions don't always accurately represent reality, and that if we get out into that scary world to explore for ourselves, we'll find it's not so frightening after all, is highlighted in the tale. The digital artwork is colorful and immensely appealing, beautifully capturing the magic, both real and imagined, of Jo's watery home. Recommended to Atkinson fans, and to anyone looking for stories about conquering our fears. Given the theme of messages in a bottle, it might pair nicely with Michelle Cuevas and Erin Stead's The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles , which explores a similar idea, albeit in a different way.

[Storytime With Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I follow Cale Atkinson on social media platforms so I knew Off and Away was making it's way into the world and could not wait to grab a copy of my own. We are huge fans of Cale's work because it is always so detailed with so much to see and find. Each reading of one of his fabulous stories reveals something we missed the first few times.

Off and Away, published by Disney-Hyperion is the story of Jo who's dad is a message in a bottle delivery man. When one day he comes down with a severe sea cold, Jo is left to deliver the messages for him. The only problem is Jo has never done that before as she is too terrified of what lurks below the water's surface. Mustering up all her courage, she sets sail.

It's a perfectly simple little story of courageousness and facing one's fears with so many surprises in store. Off and Away makes a fabulous read aloud and a great cuddle up story. We brought it on vacation with us and had to read it multiple times a day. The art is engaging and surprising, making us chuckle all the way through (penguins in bowties!!). Cale Atkinson's books simply make us feel good: they make us smile, they bring us joy, and they deliver messages of kindness, bravery, and friendship. His books always have a clever surprise under the jacket which carries through the theme of the book. Cale Atkinson's books are must haves in our home! Follow him on Twitter @2dcale for behind the scenes looks at process art from his picture books and sneak peaks at his upcoming work.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cale Atkinson is a great storyteller and one of my most favorite illustrators. I would enjoy a print of every page of artwork in this book. So colorful and bright, the story is a about a little girl (who is wonderfully brown) who faces her fears and delivers bottles to creatures after her father becomes ill. By the end, she becomes braver than even her father and makes friends along the way. Although it's not my favorite Atkinson book, I enjoyed every bit of this fun story.

[Scottsdale Public Library]

Jo may think she's no adventurer, yet she actually takes on the biggest adventure of her young life when she sets sail and conquers her own fears. This story is a fantastic way to show kids that it's okay to be afraid but do something anyways...and they might just be surprised by the outcome and themselves. -Jennifer K.

[Meredith Spidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, creative picture book for young kiddos, encouraging them to find their inner strength. Love how it taps into the mystery of what DOES happen to those messages in bottles too! Thanks for sending an ARC our way for review, Disney!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about a girl who faces her fears, and finds that monsters are not behind every lurking corner. This would be great for a bedtime book to help little ones face their fears.
Facing fears
adventures
sailing
friends

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cale writes books that has kids coming back for readings over and over again. Not only do I love this story, I love finding new details in the illustrations.

[The Book Consultant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story about a child overcoming her fears. I enjoyed the way the little girl discovered that all the things that scared her initially weren’t all that scary after all.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHY ARE ALL THESE BOOKS SO CUTE

[Mim_farahani · Rating 4 out of 5]

عنوان ترجمه فارسی: آن دور دورها

[Laura Mossa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Jo always wanted to be a great adventurer like her dad, but her apprehension about what lurked below the sea always kept her from stepping off their dock. When Jo’s dad falls ill and bottles keep piling up, Jo takes a deep breath in before embarking on a courageous journey. On her voyage, Jo soon realizes that appearances can be deceiving and she is in fact, a brave adventurer . Jo’s heroic actions reminded me of a great quote from Coraline by Neil Gaiman.

“Being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. Being brave means you are scared, really scared, badly scared, and you do the right thing anyway.”

I am a big fan of Cale Atkinson’s books and Off & Away is “sea-sational!” It is a touching and uplifting story about having the courage to face your fears. The gorgeous illustrations are full of such details that a re-read is essential just for viewing the beautiful and intricate artwork.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this story & adore Jo's bravery in the face of her fears, and what she realizes about those fears in the end. Her determination is inspiring and the details with the juxtaposition of the fantastical sea creatures against the reality adds suspense to her journey and connection for readers. Sometimes we all just need to take a a deep breath and cast off into the unknown. Cale gives readers so much detail to pour over and discover in these illustrations, and the way the light and sky enhance the mood of the journey draws you into the adventure. This was such a fun adventure to go on. I think this is Cale's best book yet, and I can't wait for more!

[Alex (Bri's Book Nook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an adorable tale of a little girl and her father who delivers bottles to the residents of the sea. Jo is scared of what might be out there, but she loves to hear her father tell her stories about it. When her father comes down with a sea cold, Jo sees the bottles starting to pile up. She realizes that it is up to her to get the bottles out to the residents of the sea, and so she has to start off on an adventure of her own.

Let me start off by saying that this is the first picture book that I have had the opportunity to review, and this definitely did not disappoint. For starters, the art. The art in this book was adorable, yet beautifully detailed at the same time. Every page gave me another beautiful image full of vibrant colors. I found myself showing the book to my family, just so that they could see how pretty the art was!

Secondly, I was happy that this is a diverse picture book. So few picture books have characters that come from different cultures or backgrounds, but this one proudly advertises a brown girl and her father. This would allow even more children who read this book to relate to the main character!

Even though this was just a fun picture book, there were several morals in this story. Jo thinks that monsters live in the ocean and so she has to overcome this fear to do her father’s job. This teaches bravery. She also learns in this book that the “monsters” she feared so much were actually quite friendly creatures. She also learns how to be independent by going off on her own without the help of her father, and succeeding on her mission.

This has been one of the most rich picture books that I have ever read, and I will definitely be re-reading it a few times just to admire the amazing art and story. Even if you are an adult, take a break and relax by reading this book!

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new picture book with morals and amazing art, or anyone looking for a relaxing story.

I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Kim Childress · Rating 5 out of 5]

​​​​ Off & Away is hands down one of my favorite picture book this summer, with unique illustrations that show subtle details readers will love looking at again and again. In this imaginative tale showing the bond between a father and daughter, Jo’s dad is the one who travels across seas and makes sure every message in a bottle gets to the right home, and Jo wants to be a great adventurer just like him, but her fear of the water gets in the way. Jo’s imagination “goes overboard” when she thinks about what monsters lurk beneath the water’s surface, with illustrations that perfectly capture the capture the fears of “every child” in glorious fashion. Until the day Jo’s dad comes down with a bad sea cold, and Jo knows no one else with deliver the bottles unless she does. I continue to find new details every time I read this book. The illustrations are bold yet whimsical, and they perfectly portray this whale of a story that should find its way onto every reader’s bookshelf.

Off & Away, written and illustrated by Cale Atkinson
Disney-Hyperion, June 2018, $16.99
Ages 3-5, 48 pages, 9781484782323

Genre/BISAC: picture book fiction, humor, love, friendship, fear, father/daughter, sea stories, inspiration, encouragement, tackling fears, crossover appeal to older audiences diverse

[Lou Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decided to check this book out after Miranda Reads read it.

Absolutely floored by this story. Well wrote for its audience, the art style is absolutely stunning. I have only read one other book by this author, however, I enjoyed that the same.

The book itself is quite large, focusing on the illustrations more than the story. The story is important; don't get me wrong, but perfect for kids who love colours and large illustrations. I really liked the pacing of this book. Compared to other kids books on the market, this one is beautifully wrote and gorgeously designed.

If your kid has an obsession with monsters or sea life, this book is absolutely for them. Or you. I loved the shark picture at the end. My only issue with the book is it's printed on that weird glossy paper I hate in kids books.

Not with the story/the illustration/layout- the paper it's printed on. I don't know why so many kids books are printed on this paper, because it's not like you can wipe food or drink off the book and it will be good as new.

[Christina Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo's dad has a pretty awesome job. He works for Off & Away Message in a Bottle Delivery, making sure that every bottle gets to the right home. When he comes down with an awful cold, Jo is left with the mighty big task of filling her dad's shoes. But how will she do it when she is afraid of what awaits her beyond the shore? What will it take to help her rise above her fears?

I always admire the work of those who are both author and illustrator. What a talent Cale Atkinson has to bring his stories to life the way that he does with such vividly colorful illustrations that make the reader feel like they are a part of the experience. I was right there with Jo as she braved the dangers that lurked in the sea. And I was there when she overcame them as well. Jo didn't let anything stop her and it made me feel as though I could conquer the world too.

I already ordered Off & Away for my K-5 library and I can't wait to set sail on this adventure with my students.

[Gmr · Rating 5 out of 5]

From cover to cover, this was a grand adventure filled with mysterious messages, hidden dangers, and a WHOLE lot of heart! Jo's Dad has a unique job....making sure messages in bottles get to their intended recipients. But what happens when the messenger is sick? Who's going to take over the reigns and get the job done? Jo? Oh no...she's got a massively active imagination and let's face it, you can't exactly see what's below the seas now can you? Right, so there you go...but if not her, than who? This charming tale reminds us that sometimes it's not about us or our fears, but about the greater good and the ability to help a friend in need is a great thing indeed. Be sure to check out the artwork that adorns each page as it's truly magical...and don't forget to look for the "undie" cover for another surprise!


**copy received for review

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jip Ahoi! Door Cale Atkinson.

Als Jips vader ziekt wordt kan ze niet anders dan zijn taak overnemen; het bezorgen van flessenpost aan de zeebewoners. Hoewel Jip echt niet durft (ze is bang voor de enge wezens die, volgens haar, onder water wonen) gaat ze met een bang hartje toch op pad. Wat er dan gebeurt lees je in dit kleurrijke prentenboek.

De combinatie van het spannende, avontuurlijke verhaal en de kleurrijke, gedetailleerde tekeningen maken dit tot een boek dat je vaak kan (voor-) lezen. Er valt veel te ontdekken. Het is vlot geschreven in een naar poëzie neigende taal, leuk bij het luidop lezen.

Cale heeft een aanmoedigend, empowerend verhaal geschreven voor alle avonturiers met een klein hartje en grote dromen. Ze moedigt klein en groot aan om zelf spannend verhalen te gaan beleven; mooi!

[Jared White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo's dad is a message bottle delivery man who always comes home with the best stories but Jo never joins him because she's scared of what might lie beneath the waves or through the fog. Then Jo's dad gets sick and the bottles keep piling up, what's Jo to do? Will she face her fears and discover what awaits? You'll have to read and see! :)

A beautiful and cute book about overactive imaginations and how they can make little fears seem really big and sometimes cause you to be afraid when there's nothing to be feared after all.

I have always had an overactive imagination. To illustrate this, thanks to a Twilight Zone episode that I saw when I was young, I was scared of storms for like 4 years (like to the pit of my stomach, can't sleep when I heard thunder scared). In other words, I can definitely relate to this book and think it may help some other timid, would-be adventurers.

[Lee Födi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the bright and beautiful illustrations that populate Cale Atkinson's books. Our picture book shelf is full of his books, both the ones he's illustrated for authors, and the ones he has written AND illustrated. Off & Away falls into the latter category, and lives up to Atkinson's previous work. The pictures are sumptuous and details, offering new and hidden details to be discovered in re-readings. I'm a particular fan of the "monster" characters, which are bursting with personality and somehow manage to be cute and menacing at the same time. The illustrations have a classic, nostalgic quality to them, which I think is partly due to the style, but also to the compositions. You can lose yourself in the endpapers!

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off & Away by Cale Atkinson. PICTURE BOOK. Disney Hyperion, 2018. $17. 9781484782323

Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL

Jo wants to deliver messages in bottles just like her adventuring dad, but her imaginings of dangers below the surface of the ocean make her freeze instead. Then Dad gets so sick that it will be days, if not weeks before he can deliver the backlog. Can Jo find the courage to take to the ocean?

I am in love with Jo, of course, and with Cale’s expertly crafted book – both words and illustrations. I can’t wait to see more from this author/illustrator!

Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Jo’s imagination had always gone overboard.”

Jo’s dad is the man who delivers all those messages in bottles. He’s like a post office in the middle of the ocean. He delivers every bottle to its rightful receiver and then returns home to Jo with an exciting story of his adventure. Jo never goes with because of her fears. So what happens when Dad gets sick and can’t deliver the bottles. Will Jo find the courage to do the job?

I once read a book about facing fears in which the author said that “Humans are smart enough to scare ourselves to death.” That’s the message behind this picture book. Sometimes what we imagine is far more scary that the reality and it takes courage to move forward.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love finding great books to encourage bravery in students. So many times I see that they see the entire world as being right around them. But there is so much more to explore and to try, even if it doesn't mean physically going other places, it can just mean trying new things around you. Taking risks is what makes you grow and mistakes will happen. If they don't then you aren't risking enough. Inspiring bravery, a sense of adventure, and staying open to unknown possibilities is so critical for children today because they don't know what their future with bring and they need to be willing to embrace the unknown.

[Ersa S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book that caught my attention because of the art style. So much fun texture and vivid colors on the pages that added an incredible feel to the book's story.

The story itself was super cute too! I loved seeing how the imagination of the main character affected her view of the world around her and how she came out on top of her fears to see that she can sometimes get carried away with her mind's eye.

If it wasn't as long, I would add this to my toddler storytime because the message is great for young people and can add a boost of confidence to those kids who may be more timid and scared than others. I would recommend this book for ages 5 and up.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute picture book with a nice message about overcoming one's fears. The little girl's dad is responsible for delivering all of the messages-in-bottles to the correct recipients. She never accompanies him because she's afraid of all of the creatures and unseen dangers lurking beneath the surface of the ocean. But when her father becomes ill and has to rest, it's up to her to deliver all of the messages. Young readers will enjoy finding out how she gathers up her courage so she won't let her father down.

[Ingrid Sawubona · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Off and Away, Jo faces her fears when her dad gets sick and there is no one to take over his very important job!

Jo’s dad, you see, delivers messages in bottles.

Jo is initially scared of the unknown, but through sheer guts and tenacity, she discovers that the world is not such a scary place after all. And to top it all, she becomes just as great of an adventurer as her dad!

I love the artwork in this picture book. It is majestic and beautifully detailed. The story serves as a good lesson for all of us without being preachy, and the monsters are great! Really great!

[Carol V · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great adventure story. Everyone knows those bottles afloat at sea must get to their rightful owners. When Jo's dad gets sick and cannot deliver the bottles that have floated his way, Jo finds the courage to deliver these. With a deep breath, she whispers, again and again, "I can do this", and off she sails. What an adventure! The pictures are frequently double paged - sometimes scary sometimes bright and cheerful. This book will entertain a reader, over and over again!