I Saw the Sea and the Sea Saw Me

I have read this book on request almost every night since we received it as a gift. My almost-three-year old daughter loves it and when we went to the beach early this summer spontaneously began chanting the rhyme. The illustrations are gorgeous and whimsical and spur all sorts of questions and conversation. I must disagree with the comment above that says that the book doesn't recognize how children must feel somewhat overwhelmed by the sea-- interestingly, I'd actually say that that is the theme of "I Saw the Sea." She's awed by the sounds and sights of the sea, by its vastness. She has positive experiences swimming and when she gets stung, becomes angry and insists on leaving. By the time she falls asleep that night, though, she's come to peace with the experience and clearly looks forward to going back. Anyway, I'm clearly a fan and feel like this is practically a book about my own little girl, so I'm offended by some self-important "educator" questioning its value. Buy it. It's a delight, even in constant repetition.

As an oceanographer and parent this is the book of choice in our household. I cannot reccomend this charming introduction to one of nature's vastest complexities enough!

I saw the sea and the sea saw me is a beautifully illustrated, creative, playful book with a surprise middle and a surprise endpaper. Very nutritious food for thought. A must-have for every child library.

I bought this book because I saw a great review of it in June's Parenting magazine. The words are catchy and the pictures are bright and fun, and will make you smile. I recommend it for any young child.

My kindergarten classes thoroughly enjoyed the drama of this delightful picture book. A young sea enthusiast adores everything about the ocean until she gets stung by a jellyfish. While she goes home upset, she soon remembers the things she loves. A poignant story of reconciliation and true love for the very young. The clear, bold illustrations please both young and old.