The Specific Ocean

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Choose Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

We, who live near the ocean, know the connection we have with it. In Kyo Maclear's story, we meet a young girl whose family is heading to the ocean for the very first time. This is a vacation she is not looking forward to. So much so, she refuses to leave the cottage once they have arrived. But the ocean has a way of winning over the most reluctant of visitors and the author eases both the young girl and the reader into the beauty of the water and its inhabitants. Katty Maurey's illustrations of mixed media have a watery touch to them. There is a calmness to them that draws the reader in, much like the ocean itself. This is a good choice for anyone going on their first ocean experience and for those of us who know the draw of the ocean and the creatures who call it home.

Overall Book Score: very good