The Sea Chest

What a pleasure to discover this beautiful, debut book by Toni Buzzeo! The lyrical and soothing language of the text transports the reader through time and space to a rocky island off coastal Maine where a universal story about families and love unfolds. The exquisite illustrations by Mary Grandpre match Toni Buzzeo's voice perfectly. This book is superb for out loud reading in the classroom. A teacher can build upon the rich historical details about the lonely lives of lighthouse keepers, their families, and the anonymous mariners they protect. This book is also perfect for a cozy reading at home, snuggled with a lap child or two, in a big easy chair. Toni Buzzeo is a new author to watch!

Toni Buzzeo takes us on a magical trip back through time to the days when the vigilance and skill of the lighthouse keeper were the only things between a storm tossed ship and catastrophe. But then, there were some storms so fearsome that even the lights were of no help. Auntie Maita's reminiscences of her solitary childhhod on fictional Sanctuary Island are lyrical and moving. She tells the story of one storm and the sea chest that washed up on shore in its aftermath. The connection between the contents of the chest and the event that awaits Auntie Maita and her grand niece eighty years later is one that will leave you in tears as you gently close the cover of the book.

The Sea Chest is an incredibly touching story that children and adults alike will love to read. The descriptive language is a wonderful example for young writers. As a Literacy Specialist in Maine, I have read it to several 4th grade classrooms and you could hear a pin drop! They were fascinated by the story and the art work. Keep up the fantastic work, Toni!

Oh! That moment when the girl is watching her father open the sea chest, hoping for a kitten...and the reader turns the page...It's a heart-stopper. The language is rich and lyrical. The story is irrestible. I was entranced from beginning to end.