posted on 13 Aug 2024

The Seal on the Beach by Mara Bergman, illustrated by Brita Granstrom

It is sometimes difficult to find engaging picture books that bridge the gap between a story to be read from start to finish and more demanding chapter books. It can feel as if the switch is at the expense of detailed illustrations that help to move the story along, as well as contributing to the overall aesthetic experience. Readers of all ages and abilities can benefit from lingering over and exploring these that make such books a visual treat.

The Seal on the Beach is a good example of how the text and pictures can work effectively together over very short episodes that describe the complex feelings of Maggie, a little girl who is on holiday with her Aunt Jean and Uncle Jack at the seaside. I read this with my six year old grandson who likes stories about animals and he shared my enthusiasm for the idyllic looking view from her three windowed room in the guest house. We relished the way in which the next pages showed the joy of the first day of the holiday as they explored the wild looking beach in the sunshine.

Despite this feel good atmosphere, we soon realised that all was not well because Maggie was missing her mum who was at home looking after her baby brother in hospital. The aunt and uncle are very kind and try to distract her with beach trips, ice cream and boat rides but she is increasingly homesick, especially at night.

One day they come across an abandoned seal pup who immediately bewitches Maggie with its huge eyes and apparently smiling mouth. But she is warned about touching it as it reveals very sharp teeth. The coastguard advises that it will probably find its way back to its mother eventually. Maggie is haunted by the pup and worries about its welfare although she learns that these creatures learn to be independent when they are very young. The comparison with her own motherless experience is obvious, but her empathy for the pup helps her to be brave. Eventually the RSPCA is involved and he is taken to the rescue centre to be well looked after. The story includes several of Maggie’s restless dreams which feature her with the seal pup in what seems to be part of a mutual healing process.

We read it in one sitting and found it to be a compelling story but I think it would also work well over several days, perhaps at the end of the school day. There is plenty to look at in the beautiful, atmospheric illustrations as well as discussion ranging from a how seals look after their young, memories of seaside holidays, the importance of family and ways to resolve feeling anxious in unfamiliar situations.

I strongly recommend this charming picture book based on a true story published by Walker Books. It is now available to buy from your independent bookshop - who will be happy to order it if not already on their shelves.

 

Karen Argent

August 2024