Sarah Ann Jukes is a “must read right away” author for me. Each of her middle grade novels is completely heartfelt and incredibly engaging. These are stories that will leave you thinking long after the book has closed and cause you to reflect on your relationships with others… and yourself.
Storm Seal is a beautiful multi-generational story of passion and protection. Ten-year-old Martha loves her Nana’s stories of the sea and how she was once rescued by a selkie. The two of them are happiest when out on Nana’s fishing boat, Storm Seal, with the sea breeze in their faces and their beloved town of Middlesea to come home to. Martha wishes she could be a seal herself and wonders if a magical selkie has found her when an adorable little black seal (who she names Liquorice) starts appearing near the shore.
Sharon Kin-Chai’s charming illustrations bring the magic of Liquorice to life and show the reader just how special a home by the sea can be.
There’s trouble in Middlesea. Litter scatters the beach endangering wildlife and spoiling the natural beauty. Fisher families struggle to afford their homes near the sea because people from the city are driving up prices by purchasing them as holiday homes. What will become of Middlesea as it is overun by visitors in the summer who don’t respect the sea and it turns into a ghost-town in the winter when everyone leaves? Nana is a true environmental pioneer who understands the needs of the sea, the wildlife and the people who live there. Martha is desperate to be just like her and make people realise the harm being done.
When Nana becomes ill, Martha’s world falls apart. She’s angry and doesn’t know how to make things right. She needs the magic of the selkies to save Nana and protect Liquorice and the other seals. With her new friend Harper, Martha dives headfirst into a dangerous plan to make things right.
Storm Seal is a call to action. Eye-opening for young readers, it examines who is to blame for the rubbish in our seas and what can be done about it. Martha’s frustration and passion drives her forward.
The relationship between Martha and Nana is wonderful – connected through their love of the sea. Both afraid of change, they go on a journey together to realise just where the magic lies that can protect their home. This is a real world magic fuelled by the fire inside a young girl who wants to save the world.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children’s Books for a copy of this lovely story!
Be sure to read these other beautiful books by Sarah Ann Juckes:
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Scope for Imagination 