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The Specific Ocean
A young girl does not want to go away for summer vacation; she wants to stay in the city with her friends. But after a few days at the beach, she falls under the ocean’s spell and begins to wonder how she can bring it and its magic back home with her. A lyrical, thoughtful look at the deep connection to be made with the natural world.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2015
1 person is currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Kyo Maclear
32 books488 followersKyo Maclear is an essayist, novelist and children’s author. She was born in London, England and moved to Toronto at the age of four with her British father (a foreign correspondent and documentary filmmaker) and Japanese mother (a painter and art dealer).
Her books have been translated into eighteen languages, published in over twenty-five countries, and garnered nominations from the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction, the Governor General’s Literary Awards, the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Awards, the Amazon.ca First Novel Award, the National Magazine Awards, among other honours.
Unearthing: a Story of Tangled Love and Family Secrets (2023) was a national bestseller and awarded the Governor General’s Literary Award for Nonfiction. Her hybrid memoir Birds Art Life (2017) was a #1 National Bestseller and winner of the Trillium Book Award and the Nautilus Book Award for Lyrical Prose. It was named one of the best books of 2017 by The Globe and Mail, CBC, Now Magazine, the National Post, Forbes, the Chicago Review of Books, and Book Riot.
Her work has appeared in Orion Magazine, Brick, Border Crossings, The Millions, LitHub, The Volta, Prefix Photo, Resilience, The Guardian, Lion’s Roar, Azure, The Globe and Mail, and elsewhere. She has been a national arts reviewer for Canadian Art and a monthly arts columnist for Toronto Life.
Kyo holds a doctorate in environmental humanities teaches creative writing with The Humber School for Writers and the University of Guelph Creative Writing MFA.
She lives in Tkaronto/Toronto, on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, the Haudenosaunee, Métis, and the Huron-Wendat.
Her books have been translated into eighteen languages, published in over twenty-five countries, and garnered nominations from the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction, the Governor General’s Literary Awards, the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Awards, the Amazon.ca First Novel Award, the National Magazine Awards, among other honours.
Unearthing: a Story of Tangled Love and Family Secrets (2023) was a national bestseller and awarded the Governor General’s Literary Award for Nonfiction. Her hybrid memoir Birds Art Life (2017) was a #1 National Bestseller and winner of the Trillium Book Award and the Nautilus Book Award for Lyrical Prose. It was named one of the best books of 2017 by The Globe and Mail, CBC, Now Magazine, the National Post, Forbes, the Chicago Review of Books, and Book Riot.
Her work has appeared in Orion Magazine, Brick, Border Crossings, The Millions, LitHub, The Volta, Prefix Photo, Resilience, The Guardian, Lion’s Roar, Azure, The Globe and Mail, and elsewhere. She has been a national arts reviewer for Canadian Art and a monthly arts columnist for Toronto Life.
Kyo holds a doctorate in environmental humanities teaches creative writing with The Humber School for Writers and the University of Guelph Creative Writing MFA.
She lives in Tkaronto/Toronto, on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, the Haudenosaunee, Métis, and the Huron-Wendat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 13, 2022
I am a pretty enthusiastic fan of Kyo Maclear's children's books. I was sure her earlier books–Julia, Child and Virginia Wolf–would be hard to live up to when I read that she had another book in the works. Of course, I was wrong.
In The Specific Ocean, a young girl is not excited about spending the summer away from home with her family in a vacation house by the Pacific Ocean. When she finally succumbs to the ocean's charm, she tries to imagine ways to take it back home with her.
Kyo's books are always subtle but elegantly crafted. Even though she uses a different illustrator for each book (in this case it was Katty Maury), it never fails that the drawings are always perfectly paired with the storyline. I don't own a copy yet, but I'm sure I'll remedy that soon. It's my hope to continue collecting her books; they are great to revisit!
In The Specific Ocean, a young girl is not excited about spending the summer away from home with her family in a vacation house by the Pacific Ocean. When she finally succumbs to the ocean's charm, she tries to imagine ways to take it back home with her.
Kyo's books are always subtle but elegantly crafted. Even though she uses a different illustrator for each book (in this case it was Katty Maury), it never fails that the drawings are always perfectly paired with the storyline. I don't own a copy yet, but I'm sure I'll remedy that soon. It's my hope to continue collecting her books; they are great to revisit!
May 14, 2018
A sweet, subtle, lyrical, and pastel-washed story (illustrated by Katty Maurey) about a girl who doesn't want to go on vacation but gradually, eventually, falls in love with the ocean. I read it because I had read her quirkier and a little bit amusing Virginia Wolf; this one is serious and straightforwardly lovely.
June 24, 2019
From a narrational point of departure, Kyo Maclear's The Specific Ocean presents a relatively standard but nevertheless very much lovely little story of how a young girl's initial reluctance and even downright animosity towards the ocean and towards her family's seaside vacation slowly but surely turns to appreciation and then even very much into a wholehearted all encompassing love for the sea, for the Pacific Ocean (which according to the title of the book, our young narrator had always in error called the Specific Ocean), so much so that at the end of the family vacation, that by the end of The Specific Ocean, the little girl is truly almost heartbrokenly sad to now have to leave the seaside, but that yes indeed, she also does realise that she will always carry the Pacific Ocean, its sights, sounds smells, waves and its many diverse creatures back home with her (deep inside of herself, deep inside of her innermost thoughts, inside of her soul).
Enjoyable and delightful (even if Kyo Maclear's printed words do not ever feature anything novel or out of the ordinary), I certainly have very much textually enjoyed The Specific Ocean. And yes, the only reason that I have rated The Specific Ocean with not four but three stars is the simple fact of the matter that I have not found the light pastel colour schemes of most of illustrator Katty Maurey's accompanying artwork all that much to my personal aesthetic tastes, that especially many of the illustrated seascapes and beach scenes are rendered in a to and for my eyes annoyingly wishy-washy and blurry manner that is both very unrealistic with regard to what I consider that an ocean, a sea would and should look like and also really hard on my eyes in so far that the illustrations often seem to blend into one another so heavily that I do at times have trouble discerning where one depicted, illustrated object or person starts and the other one ends (and well, I am also not at all a fan of light pink as a colour and indeed, there are in my opinion, far far too many pink-hued articles of clothing being depicted, being drawn by Katty Maurey in The Specific Ocean with in particular both the young girl narrator AND her older brother almost constantly clad in pink).
Enjoyable and delightful (even if Kyo Maclear's printed words do not ever feature anything novel or out of the ordinary), I certainly have very much textually enjoyed The Specific Ocean. And yes, the only reason that I have rated The Specific Ocean with not four but three stars is the simple fact of the matter that I have not found the light pastel colour schemes of most of illustrator Katty Maurey's accompanying artwork all that much to my personal aesthetic tastes, that especially many of the illustrated seascapes and beach scenes are rendered in a to and for my eyes annoyingly wishy-washy and blurry manner that is both very unrealistic with regard to what I consider that an ocean, a sea would and should look like and also really hard on my eyes in so far that the illustrations often seem to blend into one another so heavily that I do at times have trouble discerning where one depicted, illustrated object or person starts and the other one ends (and well, I am also not at all a fan of light pink as a colour and indeed, there are in my opinion, far far too many pink-hued articles of clothing being depicted, being drawn by Katty Maurey in The Specific Ocean with in particular both the young girl narrator AND her older brother almost constantly clad in pink).
April 16, 2019
A young girl doesn't want to leave her city friends to vacation with her family at the Pacific Ocean. She even writes up a moping schedule where she allocates time to watch the dust, play chess by herself and stare at the wall. By the third day she grumpily goes down to the ocean with her family. Over the summer vacation, the young girl's view of the ocean and her moods changes from moping and grumpy to excited and longing. When she returns home, she realizes that "no matter where I am, this specific ocean will be with me."
The Specific Ocean rolls with the tide and time of the ocean. The illustrations are drawn in pastels. The text is poetic, but flows slowly through the attitude change toward the ocean. This book reminded me of summer vacations with my grandparents over at the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. It rings true of how the ocean changes your viewpoint. I feel reading this book with the sound of the ocean playing in the background would create inspirational drawings.
The Specific Ocean rolls with the tide and time of the ocean. The illustrations are drawn in pastels. The text is poetic, but flows slowly through the attitude change toward the ocean. This book reminded me of summer vacations with my grandparents over at the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. It rings true of how the ocean changes your viewpoint. I feel reading this book with the sound of the ocean playing in the background would create inspirational drawings.
June 4, 2016
I'm so glad there is room in the world for all kinds of picture books, the snappy funny ones and the ones like this: lyrical, beautiful, full of true feelings.
June 14, 2017
This sweetly quiet story of a little girl who slowly falls in love with the Pacific Ocean brought me a sense of wonder! At the beginning the girl is reluctant to get in the water, but she gradually comes to love playing in and around the ocean. Her dreamy observations and imaginings around the seaside are just lovely, and bring the reader immediately into the story. You can taste that salt air and feel the waves pulling at your feet!
The writing is absolutely brilliant! Every word is tailored perfectly for that sentence to say exactly what it should, but it never feels forced or like it's trying too hard. Each sentence flows to the next with the rhythm of ocean waves.
The words are so rich and vibrant too! "Grumping down the path" perfectly describes a child walking grumpily, even though "grumping" is not actually a word, I think. No matter, because it is just the RIGHT word, whether it exists or not. There are perfect words like that on every page of this book!
What a delight it would be to read this book aloud! The sounds of the words roll off the tongue and down the lips like drops of water splashing off a wave... "Shine, shimmer, gleam, glow..." and with four words, I can see the seashore in my mind's eye.
I love that the girl mistakenly calls it the "specific ocean" instead of the "pacific ocean", but decides that the former name is more appropriate after all. I have heard kids say it wrong all the time, so it rings true and touches my heart. Details like that are what make this book so special!
The illustrations fit the story like a glove. Calming colors and smooth lines leave me feeling soothed and dreamy. Warmth and light shine from every page!
There is magic in this book! Undeniably, this is a masterpiece of children's literature.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. The opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
The writing is absolutely brilliant! Every word is tailored perfectly for that sentence to say exactly what it should, but it never feels forced or like it's trying too hard. Each sentence flows to the next with the rhythm of ocean waves.
The words are so rich and vibrant too! "Grumping down the path" perfectly describes a child walking grumpily, even though "grumping" is not actually a word, I think. No matter, because it is just the RIGHT word, whether it exists or not. There are perfect words like that on every page of this book!
What a delight it would be to read this book aloud! The sounds of the words roll off the tongue and down the lips like drops of water splashing off a wave... "Shine, shimmer, gleam, glow..." and with four words, I can see the seashore in my mind's eye.
I love that the girl mistakenly calls it the "specific ocean" instead of the "pacific ocean", but decides that the former name is more appropriate after all. I have heard kids say it wrong all the time, so it rings true and touches my heart. Details like that are what make this book so special!
The illustrations fit the story like a glove. Calming colors and smooth lines leave me feeling soothed and dreamy. Warmth and light shine from every page!
There is magic in this book! Undeniably, this is a masterpiece of children's literature.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. The opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
November 6, 2015
A quiet book, such as The Specific Ocean, can be just as moving, as feeling, and as sensory as a loud or demonstrative book. I have long been a fan of Kyo Maclear; author of terrific picture books like Virginia Wolf, Spork and Julia, Child. In this latest picture book, she has teamed up with Katty Maurey, illustrator of Francis, the Little Fox, whose work reminds me a bit of Giselle Potter, Carson Ellis and Isabelle Arsenault (all incredible artists).
There is so much to enjoy with The Specific Ocean- a picture book that I hope gets enjoyed by as many readers as possible. Through Maclear's pitch-perfect verse and Maurey's drawings, the picture book captures: the rolling emotions of being dragged away on holiday as a child; of despairing how to fill vacation days; of then finding joy in something as grand as the Specific (Pacific) ocean; and of falling deeply in love with something bigger than oneself and too majestic to hold captive.
The combination of Maclear's unadorned and lulling storytelling voice works so wonderfully here with Maurey's clean illustrations and restrained palette. During my reading of this picture book, I was taken back to my own childhood memories of time at the beach with my parents and how grand and radiant everything- the sand, the waves, the rocks, the crabs- even the seagulls!- seemed to be.
Overall, I am enamoured with The Specific Ocean. I can safely say that my love affair with Kyo Maclear's work continues, and that was a pleasure to read another picture book with Katty Maurey's distinctive and evocative illustrative style. I hope to see many more works from both in the future!
I received this books as a digital galley from Kids Can Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2023
The Specific Ocean follows the simple but endearing story of a young girl who goes on vacation on the Pacific Ocean. As the story unfolds, her initial indifference to the ocean turns to a growing fondness as she discovers its hidden beauties.
In terms of plot, you could say that there isn't much happening, but there also lies the charm of this simple but poetic book. Within slightly more than 30 pages, the gorgeous illustrations and the lyrical prose offer a story that will leave the reader with the unique satisfaction that comes from reading memorable stories, along with an unavoidable longing for the cool waters of the ocean.
In terms of plot, you could say that there isn't much happening, but there also lies the charm of this simple but poetic book. Within slightly more than 30 pages, the gorgeous illustrations and the lyrical prose offer a story that will leave the reader with the unique satisfaction that comes from reading memorable stories, along with an unavoidable longing for the cool waters of the ocean.
August 28, 2015
Wow. Predictable in the best possible way. The transformation of the girl's attitude towards the ocean is spellbinding and feels like an accurate portrait of how someone falls in love with something like the ocean.
December 6, 2019
A beautiful book, words and pictures, but I wonder how much actual kids would enjoy it?
August 17, 2015
This is a relatively simple story, beautifully told and illustrated. It would be ideal to read on a beach next to a sea or ocean but engenders that feeling even when you’re some distance away. The descriptions are succinct, yet simple and emotive, taking the reader on a journey with the characters. It is easy to empathise with the little girl and to feel how her view of the ocean changes from resentful to love during the course of her holiday. The illustrations are pastel shades but so evocative enhancing the whole experience. This is a brilliant book and one I have no hesitation at all in highly recommending.
Sometimes children resent the holiday plans made for them by their parents. In this enchanting story that is very true for the young girl in the story who would much rather stay in the city with her friends rather than go on holiday to the Pacific Ocean (- when she was younger she thought it was the Specific Ocean until her brother corrected her!) Initially she believes their holiday is boring but, after swimming in the sea with her Mum and brother she starts to experience it in a new way, learning to love the ocean more as each day passes and witnessing its moods, colours and life.
Parents and teachers could also use this book to prompt discussions about how sometimes the things we assume we’ll dislike can turn out to be something we really appreciate. It could also reassure wary children that sometimes visiting different places can be a positive experience, that change isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The descriptive language used is inspirational and could be used as a brilliant stimulus for creative writing. The art work throughout the book portrays the emotional attitudes of the characters and the atmosphere of the story superbly making it a great starting point before children explore their own creations. Definitely a book worth making shelf room for, delightful and endearing.
Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley, too for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes children resent the holiday plans made for them by their parents. In this enchanting story that is very true for the young girl in the story who would much rather stay in the city with her friends rather than go on holiday to the Pacific Ocean (- when she was younger she thought it was the Specific Ocean until her brother corrected her!) Initially she believes their holiday is boring but, after swimming in the sea with her Mum and brother she starts to experience it in a new way, learning to love the ocean more as each day passes and witnessing its moods, colours and life.
Parents and teachers could also use this book to prompt discussions about how sometimes the things we assume we’ll dislike can turn out to be something we really appreciate. It could also reassure wary children that sometimes visiting different places can be a positive experience, that change isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The descriptive language used is inspirational and could be used as a brilliant stimulus for creative writing. The art work throughout the book portrays the emotional attitudes of the characters and the atmosphere of the story superbly making it a great starting point before children explore their own creations. Definitely a book worth making shelf room for, delightful and endearing.
Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley, too for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2015
A girl does not want to leaver her friends behind in the city and head off for summer vacation. There’s nothing to do in the little house near the ocean that she used to call The Specific Ocean instead of the Pacific. She starts out with a moping schedule and refuses to head to the water. The next day though, she does go down with her family and the water is cold but it also has warm spots. The next day, she races her brother down to the beach. They spend time floating in the waves, walking along the shoreline, and sitting on the rocks to watch the waves. The girl decides that she wants to have some of the ocean to call her own and to bring home, but that won’t work. So she has to figure out how to take the feeling of it home with her, deep inside.
Maclear has written a book about the process of change and the time that it takes to allow new experiences in. Time in the book moves slowly forward, allowing the girl the chance to change her mind in a natural way. Then the connection with nature becomes a delight, a way to spend the long days of vacation. The ocean becomes not just a source of activity for her, but a source of personal peace and joy. That process is honored here, that feeling of being connected to the world as a whole and wanting to keep that feeling with you every day. The prose in this book is exceptional. Maclear writes in first person and allows the girl’s voice to be poetic but still childlike and simple.
Maurey’s illustrations are filled with an inner glow that is helped by the pastel palette that is used. The sun shines on the page, the water beckons. The book has that dreamlike quality that many good vacations do, especially those filled with salt water and sand.
This quiet picture book speaks to those who don’t like change but is ultimately about nature and its power in our lives. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Maclear has written a book about the process of change and the time that it takes to allow new experiences in. Time in the book moves slowly forward, allowing the girl the chance to change her mind in a natural way. Then the connection with nature becomes a delight, a way to spend the long days of vacation. The ocean becomes not just a source of activity for her, but a source of personal peace and joy. That process is honored here, that feeling of being connected to the world as a whole and wanting to keep that feeling with you every day. The prose in this book is exceptional. Maclear writes in first person and allows the girl’s voice to be poetic but still childlike and simple.
Maurey’s illustrations are filled with an inner glow that is helped by the pastel palette that is used. The sun shines on the page, the water beckons. The book has that dreamlike quality that many good vacations do, especially those filled with salt water and sand.
This quiet picture book speaks to those who don’t like change but is ultimately about nature and its power in our lives. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
July 21, 2015
The Specific Ocean follows the simple story of a young girl who goes on vacation to a small house the coast of the Pacific Ocean. In the beginning, she does not want to go to the ocean. Her brother and mother try to get her to go down to the beach but she stubbornly refused. The second day her mother takes her by the hand and she reluctantly gets in the water. Each day she falls a little bit more in love with the ocean. As her time there is nearing an end, she asks her brother about taking some of the ocean home with her, but he convinces her that is not a good idea. She realizes that the Specific Ocean will always be with her in her memories. A very simple story about giving something new a chance as well as opening the reader up to the miraculous world under water. The illustrations complement this story with their light, muted colours and simple content. They do not overwhelm and are not `too busy`. A wonderful story for children of all ages as well as adults.
Thank you Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 2, 2017
This book follows a girl who is on a trip to a beach house with her family. She does not like this location, but throughout the book she grows to love and understand how it connects to her life. This book has beautiful scenery and an interesting story of self-understanding.
The media in this book is soft water-paint combined with colored pencils. This creates a flowing image in each page and contrasts well with the words for reading. The art in the book is relaxing, as with the writing of the story; this adds to the soft flow of the book.
This book has a relaxing feeling throughout all the pages that can cause the same effect on the reader. This can be used for class reading where the mood is calm and students are relaxed. The book itself can be used as an art example of how to blend different kinds of drawing and painting to create one single flowing piece.
The media in this book is soft water-paint combined with colored pencils. This creates a flowing image in each page and contrasts well with the words for reading. The art in the book is relaxing, as with the writing of the story; this adds to the soft flow of the book.
This book has a relaxing feeling throughout all the pages that can cause the same effect on the reader. This can be used for class reading where the mood is calm and students are relaxed. The book itself can be used as an art example of how to blend different kinds of drawing and painting to create one single flowing piece.
January 4, 2016
I did not find the mc believable; she has such an antipathy for the setting and then BAM! She doesn't want to leave??? Just didn't feel real.
Lovely illustrations, though a bit too simplistic for the complexity of this subject matter (would like to have seen them be a bit more nuanced).
Lovely illustrations, though a bit too simplistic for the complexity of this subject matter (would like to have seen them be a bit more nuanced).
January 20, 2016
Quiet story for old souls. Highly recommended for ages 5-7.
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January 22, 2016Loved.
November 2, 2024
A beatiful declaration of love to the ocean <3
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March 22, 2016In this gently told picture book, a young girl is unhappy about having to leave the city for a family vacation on the Pacific Ocean (which she used to call the Specific Ocean). As the days pass, however, she is drawn to spend more time in and near the water, feeling moved by its beauty and rhythms. ?The ocean does its own thing, rolling backward and forward. Wash, swash, splush, hush. There is no late or hurry or racing in ocean time.' By the end of the vacation, the girl has grown to love the ocean and now feels reluctant to leave it behind. But as she soon realizes, it doesn't ever have to leave her. ?Calm. Blue. Ruffled. Gray. Playful. Green. Mysterious. Black. Foggy. Silver. Roaring. White. No matter where I am, this specific ocean will be with me.'
Author Kyo Maclear has written a sweet and evocative love story about the magic and wonder of the ocean. Katty Maurey's softly drawn illustrations maintain the poetic feel of the text, while bringing to life the imagery of the seaside, adding a wonderful richness to the pages. This book would make a lyrical read-aloud that could lull young children into an appreciation for the peaceful joy found in nature. It also presents a compelling emotional component to why conserving our natural spaces is important, and would work well for any classroom science discussion on the environment or on the ocean as a habitat and ecosystem.
Author Kyo Maclear has written a sweet and evocative love story about the magic and wonder of the ocean. Katty Maurey's softly drawn illustrations maintain the poetic feel of the text, while bringing to life the imagery of the seaside, adding a wonderful richness to the pages. This book would make a lyrical read-aloud that could lull young children into an appreciation for the peaceful joy found in nature. It also presents a compelling emotional component to why conserving our natural spaces is important, and would work well for any classroom science discussion on the environment or on the ocean as a habitat and ecosystem.
February 24, 2016
Received from NetGalley for review.
'No matter where I am, this specific ocean will be with me.'
The Specific Ocean is an adorable story for children, about a young girl who goes on holiday to a cabin near the Pacific Ocean with her family. At first she doesn’t want to be there and is convinced it will be a boring holiday, until she reluctantly goes down to the sea with her family and realises how vast and entrancing it can be.
The drawings are delightful – utilising a calm palette of blues, greens, and creams, with flashes of brightness, it is a wonderful thing to look at. The narrative itself is simple but descriptive, creating beautiful images with few words, and I know that adults and children alike will enjoy this during story time. It explores the ocean, with all of its mystery and allure, which will probably spark a lot of interest and beach trips for children – something I highly recommend, having spent half my childhood at the beach.
This is a lovely children’s book that will work on many levels – for younger children being read to, and older children who are gaining confidence in their reading ability. It’s a very sweet story and sparks excitement about the ocean, something that not enough people are interested in or care about.
'No matter where I am, this specific ocean will be with me.'
The Specific Ocean is an adorable story for children, about a young girl who goes on holiday to a cabin near the Pacific Ocean with her family. At first she doesn’t want to be there and is convinced it will be a boring holiday, until she reluctantly goes down to the sea with her family and realises how vast and entrancing it can be.
The drawings are delightful – utilising a calm palette of blues, greens, and creams, with flashes of brightness, it is a wonderful thing to look at. The narrative itself is simple but descriptive, creating beautiful images with few words, and I know that adults and children alike will enjoy this during story time. It explores the ocean, with all of its mystery and allure, which will probably spark a lot of interest and beach trips for children – something I highly recommend, having spent half my childhood at the beach.
This is a lovely children’s book that will work on many levels – for younger children being read to, and older children who are gaining confidence in their reading ability. It’s a very sweet story and sparks excitement about the ocean, something that not enough people are interested in or care about.
August 1, 2015
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
Wow, this was a gorgeous book, inside and out. I was really, really impressed by the emotion and depth it carried through its story (no, no pun intended that time).
At first I was weary to pick a book called 'The Specific Ocean', but I really loved her explanation about it and her idea that there can be something said outloud and something you call it in your head. I do this SO often, so the sentiment shocked me.
You could clearly see the emotions of the young girl, from sad, to bored, to intrigued, to in love, to sad, to bittsweet and hopeful. It was so well illustrated in the gorgegous work. The muted colors make you wish you were right there in the ocean with her.
I love that she talks about how her brother actually knows things and builds him up. Many kids books say things like "my stupid brother" or "they think they know everything", but it was a nice little point to show how she cared about what he had to say.
This book transcended a children's book, much like The Little Prince did, and swelled in my heart. What a child may get out of it and what the parent will get out of it may be very different things. However one thing is sure, both will be moved.
Wow, this was a gorgeous book, inside and out. I was really, really impressed by the emotion and depth it carried through its story (no, no pun intended that time).
At first I was weary to pick a book called 'The Specific Ocean', but I really loved her explanation about it and her idea that there can be something said outloud and something you call it in your head. I do this SO often, so the sentiment shocked me.
You could clearly see the emotions of the young girl, from sad, to bored, to intrigued, to in love, to sad, to bittsweet and hopeful. It was so well illustrated in the gorgegous work. The muted colors make you wish you were right there in the ocean with her.
I love that she talks about how her brother actually knows things and builds him up. Many kids books say things like "my stupid brother" or "they think they know everything", but it was a nice little point to show how she cared about what he had to say.
This book transcended a children's book, much like The Little Prince did, and swelled in my heart. What a child may get out of it and what the parent will get out of it may be very different things. However one thing is sure, both will be moved.
November 18, 2016
“The Specific Ocean” tells of a girl who was reluctant to go on vacation with her family. She did not want to visit the ocean. When she finally was convinced to explore the water and the beach, she came to love it. So much so that she wanted to take the ocean home with her. Realizing she does not need to take the water with her, the girl will always remember the summer spent at the ocean.
Activity:
Have students recall a place that is special to them. Whether it be a place they visited with family, somewhere in their community, or even a spot of their own at home, let students take the time to discuss it with a small group, or share aloud. Once everyone has thought of a place, allow students to write adjectives or onomatopoeia to describe their idea. Depending on the time span for the activity, students could either illustrate or build a small diorama of the place that they described.
Maclear, K., & Maurey, K. (2015). The specific ocean. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press.
Activity:
Have students recall a place that is special to them. Whether it be a place they visited with family, somewhere in their community, or even a spot of their own at home, let students take the time to discuss it with a small group, or share aloud. Once everyone has thought of a place, allow students to write adjectives or onomatopoeia to describe their idea. Depending on the time span for the activity, students could either illustrate or build a small diorama of the place that they described.
Maclear, K., & Maurey, K. (2015). The specific ocean. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press.
July 11, 2015
The Specific Ocean is a beautiful book about a girl who slowly comes to love the Ocean. She does not want to leave her city home and friends to go on a vacation to a beach house on the Pacific Ocean. She is dismal when she arrives, saying everything is boring; however once she sets foot in the Ocean, her senses come alive and she cannot let go.
With lyrical, but simple beauty, the sense of wonder for the ocean is awakened for a young girl. Through opening your emotions, the sights, smells and sounds of the ocean are brought to life. This book is perfect for opening children up to new discoveries and appreciation for the environment and the world around them. The artwork is in gentle hues that goes perfectly with the memories of the ocean. A great book for any child or child at heart.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
With lyrical, but simple beauty, the sense of wonder for the ocean is awakened for a young girl. Through opening your emotions, the sights, smells and sounds of the ocean are brought to life. This book is perfect for opening children up to new discoveries and appreciation for the environment and the world around them. The artwork is in gentle hues that goes perfectly with the memories of the ocean. A great book for any child or child at heart.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
September 21, 2017
Though she protests going at first, a girl soon learns to love their Pacific Ocean vacation site and her time there.
Calm and peaceful illustrations really work in conveying a peaceful seaside retreat and how that can make someone feel. The story itself isn't anything amazing or new, but it is very relatable. All of us have those times when we're being taken somewhere and we just don't feel it. (One of my sisters went through a period of time as a toddler when she'd chant "I hate to go! I hate to go!" every time we went somewhere. I think the character in here would have done that if she were younger.) The title comes from a personal name for the ocean the girl has dubbed the Pacific, another thing that many families can relate to. A good read if you're headed to a seaside vacation or just returned from one.
Calm and peaceful illustrations really work in conveying a peaceful seaside retreat and how that can make someone feel. The story itself isn't anything amazing or new, but it is very relatable. All of us have those times when we're being taken somewhere and we just don't feel it. (One of my sisters went through a period of time as a toddler when she'd chant "I hate to go! I hate to go!" every time we went somewhere. I think the character in here would have done that if she were younger.) The title comes from a personal name for the ocean the girl has dubbed the Pacific, another thing that many families can relate to. A good read if you're headed to a seaside vacation or just returned from one.
January 25, 2016
"There is no late or hurry or racing in ocean time."
This story follows a little girl who goes on a family vacation to the Pacific Ocean. At first, she is upset, but she slowly comes around and grows to love the Ocean and everything in it.
I liked the pacing of the writing. I feel like so many children's books just have made up words jumping out at you from the page. This was mellow and had real writing. I got a similar feeling from the artwork--it was nice and calm and captured the different moods of the little girl.
I would recommend this book as I feel like the style and story are a nice change of pace.
I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story follows a little girl who goes on a family vacation to the Pacific Ocean. At first, she is upset, but she slowly comes around and grows to love the Ocean and everything in it.
I liked the pacing of the writing. I feel like so many children's books just have made up words jumping out at you from the page. This was mellow and had real writing. I got a similar feeling from the artwork--it was nice and calm and captured the different moods of the little girl.
I would recommend this book as I feel like the style and story are a nice change of pace.
I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2015
A city young girl goes on vacation to a small house near the coast of the Pacific Ocean with her family. Leaving her friends behind, she feels sad. In the beginning, she doesn't want to go to the ocean. All of her family members try to get her to go down the beach. But, she refused. But, in the second day, she realized that the ocean can change her perspectives as she begins to fall in love with the ocean.
The story can be simple. But, it is supported by the awesome illustration. That's appealing. I fall in love with the clean illustration with muted colours. I can feel the girl's emotion about how to fill the vacation. From sad, bored, to in love.
The story can be simple. But, it is supported by the awesome illustration. That's appealing. I fall in love with the clean illustration with muted colours. I can feel the girl's emotion about how to fill the vacation. From sad, bored, to in love.
July 29, 2015
It's amazing how you can almost see the texture of the art that this book contains. It's nearly enough to make it worth checking it out just for that but then you begin to take in the story. The resistance at first but then just giving in to the magic and wonders of the ocean is wonderful to witness.
At the beginning I wished the font was a bit different because I enjoy the variety of typography that picture books offer but I think what was chosen ended up fitting the feel of it perfectly.
Gorgeous addition to any library. Read it.
At the beginning I wished the font was a bit different because I enjoy the variety of typography that picture books offer but I think what was chosen ended up fitting the feel of it perfectly.
Gorgeous addition to any library. Read it.
October 19, 2017
This is a quiet book of a girl and the ocean. She was reluctant for the vacation, and gradually fall in love with ocean. Learned that peace and calm.
The language used in this book is poetic yet straightforward, just like a friend telling you her experience. True and touching. Love Kyo's book, always have something deep from its face value it presents.
The illustration used pastel like palette and minimum strokes. The lines are expressive. Need some work on choosing the right scene for each page. Some are a bit too off. 3.5 for illustration. 5 for texts.
The language used in this book is poetic yet straightforward, just like a friend telling you her experience. True and touching. Love Kyo's book, always have something deep from its face value it presents.
The illustration used pastel like palette and minimum strokes. The lines are expressive. Need some work on choosing the right scene for each page. Some are a bit too off. 3.5 for illustration. 5 for texts.
March 16, 2017
A few of my favorite quotes from the book are:
The ocean is a mystery of mysteries.
If people ask, I'll tell them the ocean is full of noises. Then I'll tell them that if they listen very carefully, they might even hear the ocean in their own breath.
The ocean is so big that it makes every thought and worry I have shrink and scatter.
There is no late or hurry or racing in ocean time.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2017/comm...
The ocean is a mystery of mysteries.
If people ask, I'll tell them the ocean is full of noises. Then I'll tell them that if they listen very carefully, they might even hear the ocean in their own breath.
The ocean is so big that it makes every thought and worry I have shrink and scatter.
There is no late or hurry or racing in ocean time.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2017/comm...
July 2, 2015
Net Galley - ARC
When a young girl goes on vacation with her family to the Pacific Ocean, she is determined not to enjoy it. As the days pass, she begins to fall in love with all the ocean has to offer.
Kids will be relate to falling in love with one of Earth natural wonders and having a special place that you want to keep with you.
When a young girl goes on vacation with her family to the Pacific Ocean, she is determined not to enjoy it. As the days pass, she begins to fall in love with all the ocean has to offer.
Kids will be relate to falling in love with one of Earth natural wonders and having a special place that you want to keep with you.
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