The Sea in the Way

All Badger wants is to be close to Bear, but the vast, endless sea is in the way. Everything is terrible! Until Badger looks more closely and sees all the beauty—and all the connections to Bear—around her. With dazzling artwork and undeniably lovable characters, acclaimed author-illustrator Sophie Gilmore’s The Sea in the Way explores ways to cope with missing a loved one, and how to open yourself up to new experiences.

When it’s bedtime for Badger, the sun is rising for Bear. Bear isn’t there to tuck Badger in or hear about her day or spend time with her, except on the telephone. Missing Bear, Badger tries to cross the sea to reunite with her friend, but ends up getting tossed right back to where she started. The sea is always in the way!

When the sea requests a few gifts in exchange for safe passage, Badger looks for something special. And looks and looks. Soon enough, she sees the wonders that surround her—and she even makes a new friend! In the end, Badger realizes that Bear may be even closer than she thought.

40 pages. Written and illustrated by Sophie Gilmore. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.