The Sea in the Way

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

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, 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 even makes a new friend. In the end, Badger realizes that Bear may be closer than she thought.Sophie Gilmore’s The Sea in the Way is a sensitive and poignant story about the distance that separates us from our loved ones and how to cope with missing them. Like her acclaimed Terrific!, this picture book features a perfectly paced text and lush, detailed illustrations. Readers of The Invisible String will find new friends in Badger, Bear, and Loud Bird.

About the Author

Sophie Gilmore is the author-illustrator of Terrific!, which received three starred reviews, Little Doctor and the Fearless Beast, which was a PW Flying Start and garnered three starred reviews, and Freda and the Blue Beetle. Sophie Gilmore was born and raised in New Zealand before moving to the UK. She currently lives in London.