Song of the Sea: The Graphic Novel

Irish Folklore Trilogy

by Tomm Moore (Creator), Samuel Sattin (Adapter)

A lush graphic novel about  family adrift and the magical adventure that brings them together. Based on  the award-winning film, this gorgeous adaptation includes a bonus story from the film's creator.

Many years after the disappearance of their mother, siblings Ben and Saoirse are still drowning in grief, as is their lighthouse-keeper father. Ben blames his little sister for the loss of their mother, and despite being six years old, Saoirse has yet to speak. When the kids discover that Saoirse is a selkie and the magical world that their mother told stories about is real, they dive into an adventure to keep the spirit world from disappearing forever. Based on the award-winning film Song of the Sea, this graphic novel is a wonder of magical storytelling and visual splendor that is destined to become a classic.
 
Includes an 18-page bonus story written and illustrated by film creator Tomm Moore and a Gaelic glossary.

Song of the Sea  (along with  Wolfwalkers  and  The Secret of Kells ) is part of Cartoon Saloon’s Irish Folklore Trilogy which celebrates magic, fantasy, and Celtic mythology.
 

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mythology, Fiction, Comics, Childrens

272 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2023

About the author

Irish filmmaker, animator, illustrator and comics artist. He is co-founder of Cartoon Saloon, an animation studio and production company, based in Kilkenny, Ireland. His first two feature films, The Secret of Kells (2009) and Song of the Sea (2014), have received critical acclaim and were both nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Reviews

[s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all] · Rating 4 out of 5]

The film Song of the Sea from Irish animation team Cartoon Saloon is an absolute favorite in my family, though anything that studio puts out has been outstanding as well (like Wolfwalkers or The Secret of Kells). Infusing Irish myth with a story about a family processing grief, Song of the Sea is a beautiful story that comes alive through some of the finest animation I have ever seen, making complete sense to create a graphic novel edition just to look at the jaw-dropping artwork. I mean look how pretty this is:

This is a really moving story, one that follows a sibling rivalry into a deep sibling bonding and friendship as the older brother, Ben, must protect his mute sister, Saoirse, as she discovers she is a selkie and unlocks a whimsical but threatening mythological world. Saoirse must free the faerie creatures of Irish myth from the Celtic goddess Macha, which forms a really lovely theme of magic and myth returning to the natural world as Ireland is moving towards an industrialized global economy in the early 90s. At the heard of this story, however, is processing grief after the death of the mother. ‘People, especially children, still need a way to think around loss,’ film director Tomm Moore says about the story, and this is a gorgeous tale in a minor key that addresses these issues in a very heartfelt manner.

This graphic novel doesn’t add much and is basically a frame-by-frame of the film, but it captures how gorgeous the art is. The character design is rather simple and geometrical but they still manage to convey an incredible amount of emotion. I love the textures to the world and how spherical everything is, with curved lines making all the landscape flow like waves. Using a watercolor-like style also captures, according to the production team, the wetness of the Irish landscapes while being rather dreamlike and fantastical. What I love best is the use of light in the artwork, which really pops. As I said, there’s not much to this beyond being the movie in book format, but Samuel Sattin (who adapted this) does make lovely use of the space on the page:

One bonus to this book, however, is an additional Irish folktake told at the end of the book. The story follows a couple who raise a roan as a child, but must eventually watch it return to the sea. It is a cute little story and the artwork is delightful.

This is a wonderful book for anyone who loves the film and it is a great way to revisit the story and enjoy the world renowned animation. I love this movie, and my 3 year old's middle name, Saoirse, definitely was inspired by this movie. It’s nothing you can’t experience probably better on the screen, but it is well done and worthwhile.

4.5/5

[Sarah E B ʚ♡ɞ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars
A beautifully crafted graphic novel. The artwork is stunning, and the story remains easy to follow while still capturing all the quiet grace of the film. The themes of acceptance and love are woven in gently, never feeling heavy-handed. What I loved most is how the illustrations aren’t just lifted from the movie — the panels flow into one another in a way that brings the world to life and truly captures the magic of Song of the Sea.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to wrap up little Saorise into a hug and tell her everything will be okay. This story beautifully illustrates a Celtic legend about selkies and those that belong to the sea. This story has my heart in every single way. The ending holds strong to walking through life with grief and how it won’t ever go away, but how you carry on with it. I loved the location being by the sea, and living by the lighthouse.

*This has a bonus story at the end that is sweeter than Ted Lassos biscuits, so make sure you read that one too!

[:¨·.·¨: `·. izzy ★°*ﾟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly beautiful story with stunning illustrations! This was so lovely!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite beautiful. I bought it because I love this film and was curious about how it was adapted as a graphic novel. In some ways, it was surprisingly disappointing because it was so identical to the film. I guess I expected more artistic differences. Nonetheless, it’s a lovely adaptation and brought me to tears at the end, even though I knew the ending.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this solely because of the gorgeous cover. In Song of the Sea, Ben lives in a lighthouse, along with his father and little sister, Saoirse. Despite her age, Saoirse has yet to begin talking - something her grandmother detests and blames on their remote location, away from society.

When their grandmother forcibly removes the children from their father and brings them to the city, the children balk and run away. What they discover is that Saoirse is a selkie - just like their mother - and soon they find themselves in a magical world as they journey to return to the lighthouse and the sea that surrounds it.

[Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art is so beautiful I want to give it 5 stars, but since this is adapted from a movie it feels like it may be skipping over some details that would make this feel more complete and less confusing. I really want to watch the movie now though, I’m guessing the art would be even more stunning in an animated version. And that it might flow a little better. I really liked the art and the story I just wish it weren’t so sad in the beginning and middle.

[Kirsten Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this.
We discovered the movie a few years ago and fell in love with the artwork and the music. The album is gloriously beautiful.
The graphic novel is as beautiful - the combination of the Irish language throughout is brave and adds so much to the story. Stunning.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfectly executed adaptation of a film into a graphic novel. Adorable, and moving! This would be a wonderful way to introduce children to Celtic folklore.

[Samantha Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing book you should read it! 😁

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

The selkie legend I’ve heard, but never alongside graphics that take my breath away or within a storyline that brings me to tears.

How very beautiful this graphic novel is. So lovely.

[Rebecca McPhedran · Rating 3 out of 5]

A graphic novel adaptation of the movie of the same name. Not sure the story hits as hard through graphic novel form compared to the film, but it is beautiful!

[Shahdi Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the movie! Love the book! Stunning and adorable !

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful art

[Barbora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeden z mých oblíbených animovaných filmů se dočkal komiksového zpracování. Je ovšem otázkou, zda si nezasloužil zpracování lepší. Kniha má tři hlavní části. Krátký originální úvod kreslený pouze pro ni, hlavní část, kde se odehrává celý filmový děj a na konci nový, opět pouze pro knihu vytvořený příběh.
Nové části mě neskutečně bavily. Kreslířský styl Tomma Moorea je v nich jiný než ve filmové části. Lehčí, detailnější. Jednotlivé stránky mají také mnohem lepší uspořádání a komiksovou estetiku.
Teď k samotnému zpracování filmu do komiksu. Není to špatné, ale šlo to udělat lépe. Myslím, že by kniha zvládla pevné desky a větší formát. Film je nádherný hlavně svojí estetikou a kompozicí, která se odehrává na širokém plátně. Je proto škoda, že Samuel Sattin, který film do komiksu zpracovával, ani jednou nesáhl k vytvoření panelu přes celou dvoustránku (chybí tek třeba podplouvání velryby, které je jedním z nejkrásnějších záběrů celého filmu). Jednou jsem také našla jeden záběr z filmu použití na dvou různých místech komiksu. A to zamrzí.
Ještě více mrzutá jsem byla z faktu, že se překladatelé nemohli rozhodnout, zda budou používat anglickou či českou transkripci jednoho jména. V průběhu knihy se tak obě střídají.
Píseň moře jako komiks není špatná. Zatím co film mezi ostatními animáky vyniká, kniha je jen dalším komiksem pro děti. Děj a umělecký styl si bere z filmu: 5/5. Komiksová adaptace mohla být lepší: 3/5.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Four stars.

The Song of the Sea graphic novel follows young siblings Ben and Saoirse as they uncover the truth of their mother's disappearance, learning that Saoirse is a selkie whose connection to the magical spirit world and her seal skin is fading. To save her and the magical realm, they embark on a journey back to the sea, encountering mythological creatures and confronting their father's grief, ultimately bringing their family together by embracing their memories and accepting loss.

This was such a beautiful graphic novel, from the story to the gorgeous colourful illustrations, it was just so lovely. I saw it described as lush, and I definitely thought that was a good word for describing it. I was so wrapped up in Ben and Saoirse’s adventures and I really cared about what happened to them. I wanted to go into the story and put my arms around both of them and help them through the difficulties. I was also frustrated with their dad. But the ending was so poignant and touching and just added to the overall atmosphere and feel of the story. I do enjoy reading about the Celtic mythology and this was a nice addition to this. Anyway, this would be lovely for a kid to read and it was lovely for me as an adult to read - it’s enjoyable for all ages.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Song of the Sea is a lovely adaptation of the 2014 fantasy movie of the same name, and expertly recaptures the magic of this Irish folktale. Ten-year-old Ben, his six-year-old sister Saorise who does not speak, and their lighthouse keeper father are still grieving the loss of the children's mother who disappeared the night Saorise was born. When their grandmother takes them away to the city to raise them, they escape and find out that Saorise is a selkie who will wither away unless led back to her seal coat and the ocean. This lyrical story about love and family ties is delightful.

Illustrated to replicate the hand-drawn movie, the lush blue and green colors transport you to the Irish seaside, while the dull greys show their dissatisfaction of being in the city. The fantastical creatures the children meet as they journey back home are sure to delight.

Verdict: A winning graphic novel for a wide range of readers. An added highlight is a bonus 18-page story written and illustrated by film creator Tomm Moore. A must-have addition to library collections!

I reviewed this book for the School Library Journal magazine.

[Ben Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting way to start the year from one of my favorite animated films which turned into a graphic novel.

Full of sorrow and joy, darkness and light, and ugliness and beauty.

The illustrations including the color and atmosphere are quite lovely. Magical throughout.

There is much depth to this Irish folklore fairytale. You'll find courage, bravery, and sacrificial love. But one question that stands out in the story is this:

"Is life better if you could take away your pain and sorrow by taking away your emotions?"

This has many implications even regarding how we handle our own pain and sorrow through distractions, endless scrolling, and amusing (not thinking) ourselves to death. We've fallen in love with triviality and can no longer experience wonder, glory, and satisfaction.

This story is for the whole family. The atmosphere and characters are a delight. And the ending is bittersweet.

Watch the film. Read this. Do both. Stories change culture.

[Eva Francova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Příběh sourozenců Bena a Saoirsy. Ben se sestřičkou nechce mluvit, protože jejich maminka zmizela v den, kdy se Saoirsa narodila. Vše se změní, když přijdou na to, že dívka je, stejně jako její matka, tulení víla selkie. Díky tomu má moc ochránit pohádkové bytosti, jen se nesmí dostat do spárů zlé čarodějnice Machy.

Nedávno jsem měla možnost přečíst si komiks Vlkochodci, který si mě naprosto získal, proto jsem neváhala a pořídila si i Píseň moře. A byla jsem stejně nadšená.

Úžasné ilustrace nás přenesou do nádherného a dojemného příběhu s nečekaným a nepředvídatelným dějem. I nějaká ta slzička u knihy ukápla. Kniha se líbila i mé desetileté dceři (a právě pro děti od deseti let je kniha určena) a už se moc těším, až se společně podíváme i na film.

Nechte se unést kouzelným příběhem tulení víly i vy.

[Sarah]

did not really make sense


-why did the mom have to leave? she had been on land for years before she had problems. i know problems are inevitable for selkies on land, but how come she couldn’t come back, even to visit briefly?
-why is saoirse a selkie and ben not? because she’s a girl? because she was born in the sea?
-why WAS she born at sea? what was happening, and why was that the solution?
-why did saoirse have such a terrible day? she was without her coat for 24 hours and nearly DIED. but she’d been without her coat for SIX YEARS before that, and, besides the inability to speak, had suffered no ill effects. what gives ??
-why did saorise’s song save everything ?? she’s far from the first selkie to exist. why couldn’t one of them have done it, millennia ago?
-what the heck happened at the ending anyway ??? everything LEAVES ? to go where? why? ??

[Corina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Song of the Sea is apparently a very faithful movie adaptation which we haven't seen yet (but maybe will look out for now). As a graphic novel, it's gorgeous and a great way to explore Irish mythology (Selkies! Faeries!) and themes of sibling rivalry, grief, and the power of song. There is also a lovely bonus short story at the end.

There were a few times where I was pretty confused (the Grandma and some other characters seem similar so the panels that jump back and forth at first didn't seem like they were showing overlapping threads). I have a feeling that if I had seen the movie this wouldn't have been an issue.

Kid 1 says she loves this and read it multiple times. Her favorite character was Saoirse of course.

[Crystal books_inthewild · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations- at times whimsical and beautiful, and then gloomy, dark or scary. The creatures and expressions were so vivid!

I really liked the characters- the brother, sister, grandmother, the dog! And I was really taken in by all the mystical elements.

I think my only critique is I found some areas of the story hard to follow- or when there were large areas filled with noises or sounds. There were a lot of times when I had to try and interpret what was going on, and I felt a bit lost.

But overall- I know my students who enjoy fantasy, adventure, mythical type graphic novels will really like this one!

[Sophia Castillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This adaptation made sure to include all the most impactful stills from the animation. Overall this is a great way to digest the story in the slower-paced manner.

I'm a bit torn regarding the decision to provide much more exposition and explanatory detail from the get-go in the graphic novel, whereas these details remain implied or are revealed at a much later time in the original film. While it is fun to see the new artwork included in these added prefatory frames --giving the graphic novel an almost director's-cut feel-- I do enjoy how the film keeps the viewer guessing by leaving these details out, adding to the ancient, mystical feel of the work.

For this reason, I'd recommend only reading this after having seen the film to avoid missing out on the film's intriguingly slow-paced reveal of the narrative's mythological context.

[Klara (klarinkniznisvet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Píseň moře krásně rozebírá keltskou legendu o tulení víle selkie. Pokud je vám povědomý název, tak je to proto, že prvně vznikl stejnojmenný kreslený film, na jehož podkladu vznikl i tento komiks.

Jsem moc ráda, že se tak stalo, neboť mě stejně jako Vlkochodci naprosto nadchnul! Kromě irských legend na vás uvnitř čeká jedna rodina vyrovnávající se se ztrátou matky. Velmi dobře zpracované jsou i sourozenecké vztahy a to, jak se v čase mění.

Titul můžu velmi vřele doporučit. Je dobře zpracovaný, obsahuje překrásné ilustrace a příběh, který vás chytne za srdce.

[Thia Reads A Lot]

- includes a short story "Come Home to Me", about a childless couple who adopts a seal, then the seal goes away, but he comes back with his family later on. Very sweet.

As a fan of the movie, this graphic novel is a delight. I miss the music, which is so good, and I wish some panels had been larger to really sink in the beautiful art. Follows the movie beats exactly.

- I cannot read Gaelic, but there is a glossary at the back

I will treasure this book, along with WolfWalkers. Did they made one for Secret of Kells?

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know for sure our fantasy/mythology-loving students are going to enjoy this one!
The artwork is definitely the star of the show- the atmosphere, emotion, and expression created through the illustrations are absolutely amazing.

The story is captivating & filled with adventure, and I can see our fans of graphic novels like Timo the Adventurer, The Girl and the Gauldurian, Treasure in the Lake, and author Kibuishi, will also be fans of this one!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Krásná ilustrace a inspirace v mýtech o Selkii - to se mi líbilo.
Příběh samotný mě tolik neoslovil. Nelíbilo se mi chování jednotlivých postav k sobě navzájem - Bena k Saoirse, otce k svým dětem, babičky ke všem... Tak málo všímavosti, komunikace a porozumění - ne, že by to v mnohém neodráželo realitu, ale přišlo mi to nesmírně smutné a přenášelo se to na celý příběh. Ve všem se odráželo jen neporozumění, odmítání a smutek.

[Zuzka-knižníček · Rating 4 out of 5]

Velmi krásně provedené grafické zpracování komiksové adaptace původně kresleného filmu, kde najdeme mystiku, magii, rodinné vazby a mnoho dalšího. Pro děti, a nejen pro ně, je to velmi poutavý příběh s přesahujícím sdělením. Čteni jsme si s dcerou užily a knížku jsme následně ještě rozebíraly, což vždycky značí, že zaujala a upoutala. Určitě k přečtení doporučuji jak tuto knihu, tak Vlkochodce (stejní autoři).

[Viv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love children's graphic novels because the artwork is usually beautiful and the stories are complex and engaging. I loved Song of the Sea when I watched it years ago but I didn't really remember the story so when I saw this at the library, I snatched it up. It's a beautiful story of loss, grief and acceptance.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite animated movies of all time! I am thrilled that a graphic novel adaptation has been made. This is a selkie story filled with a lot of Irish folklore, but mostly it's a story about the love of family and sticking together even when times are tough. I love it and hope you do too.