East to the Sea
Written and Illustrated by: Heidi Jardine Stoddart
Dreamcatcher Publishing $9.95
Recommended for ages: 6-9

Just as the warm weather arrives in our region, this enchanting summertime storybook is being launched. This is a tale of three young sisters on their voyage from the big city to east to the sea. We see them snoozing in the back seat of their car as they leave the bright lights of Toronto to head for the seashores of New Brunswick. When they arrive they are quick to make their way to the sandy beaches and start the construction of sand castles and the search for seashells. As evening draws near, the family gathers around the campfire eager to hear old stories from their parents and grandparents. A favourite story of everyone’s is about the Sea Monster who digs holes. When Dad sees a fin, it is definitely time to pack up and head for the cottage. Familiar scenes of beaches, cottages and even the Saint John City Market are framed in unique rope-turned borders and fill the pages of this colourful book.

Children and parents alike will take pleasure from the everyday images that Stoddart uses to make this the wonderful story that it is.

Heidi Stoddart is an educator now living in the Kennebecasis Valley. Although she grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, she spent many summers on the shores of St. Martin’s. East to the Sea will be launched on June 26 at Benjamin’s Books in Rothesay. All are welcome.