On Our Bookshelf: The Specific Ocean

               Every once in a while during the long wet, grey days of January we Vancouverites catch a break- a few much needed rays of sun and a pause in the rain! Obviously one must take full advantage of these gifts and head outside to do a bit of reading. One of our favourite books all about the Pacific Ocean is a book by the title of The Specific Ocean- a touching story of a family trip to the sea shore. Illustrations by Katty Maurey and words by Kye Maclear.

          As with all the books that make my list the illustrations in The Specific Ocean are beautiful- sensitively executed to accompany a rather esoteric moral. We relate to this story on so many levels- as Coastal People we love everything about the sea and often wish to possess it for our own- collecting small bots and pieces to bring into our home.

         I think for us this book is relatable on so many levels- the kids love the family portrayed as there is an older brother and a younger sister. They enjoy the light sarcasm and all the imaginative elements. As a parent I love that this is a story all about trying new things and respecting the environment- win win in my books!

P.S. if you get a chance check out Kye Maclear's blog- lots of inspiration as well as the story behind the story!

On Our Bookshelf

          We were so lucky to get some amazing additions to our bookshelves over the Christmas Holidays- of course we thought it would be fun to share here with everyone! Currently the most popular is Over and Under the Snow- from the same folks who brought us Up In The Garden and Down In The Dirt. My Little ones love these books as they love to read anything about nature that they can get their grubby little hands on. 

         What we all love best about Over and Under the Snow are the sensitive illustrations from artist Christopher Silas Neal. We love the way multiple story lines intersect and weave together- the girl in the snow, the animals under the snow and the biggest character of all- the seasons. Just like in our favourite gardening book the story is wrapped up with a look at all the different animals we saw through out the book- details and facts are an eight year olds favourite thing- ever!

     
          I'm not going to lie- I loved this book so much we gave several as Christmas gifts ourselves. To me there is nothing so special as a good book. I would go out on a limb and say both Up In The Garden and Down In The Dirt and Over and Under The Snow will easily become heirloom books to be passed down to the next generation.