The Sea Chest

By Toni Buzzeo

From the author of the 2013 Caldecott Honor Book , ONE COOL FRIEND! As they wait for the arrival of a new baby, Maita tells her great-grandniece the story of her remarkable childhood. Living sheltered on a lighthouse island with only her parents for company, Maita always longed for a sibling-longed not to be the only child the ragged island knew. And then one icy night, howling winds blew wave after wave against the shore, and from that fearsome storm came a sea chest-a gift that would change Maita's life forever. From a beguiling Maine legend, newcomer Toni Buzzeo has fashioned this exquisitely lyrical, intimate tale, illustrated in vibrant oil paintings by Mary GrandPre. Together they have created a book of classic beauty and resonance.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803727038
• ISBN13: 9780803727038
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 11.0" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 4 years and up
• Grade Range: Kindergarten and higher

Customer Reviews

Enchanting

What a pleasure to discover this beautiful, debut book by Toni Buzzeo! The lyrical and soothing language of the text transports the reader through time and space to a rocky island off coastal Maine where a universal story about families and love unfolds. The exquisite illustrations by Mary Grandpre match Toni Buzzeo's voice perfectly. This book is superb for out loud reading in the classroom. A teacher can build upon the rich historical details about the lonely lives of lighthouse keepers, their families, and the anonymous mariners they protect. This book is also perfect for a cozy reading at home, snuggled with a lap child or two, in a big easy chair. Toni Buzzeo is a new author to watch!

Lyrical and Moving

Toni Buzzeo takes us on a magical trip back through time to the days when the vigilance and skill of the lighthouse keeper were the only things between a storm tossed ship and catastrophe. But then, there were some storms so fearsome that even the lights were of no help. Auntie Maita's reminiscences of her solitary childhhod on fictional Sanctuary Island are lyrical and moving. She tells the story of one storm and the sea chest that washed up on shore in its aftermath. The connection between the contents of the chest and the event that awaits Auntie Maita and her grand niece eighty years later is one that will leave you in tears as you gently close the cover of the book.

Touching

The Sea Chest is an incredibly touching story that children and adults alike will love to read. The descriptive language is a wonderful example for young writers. As a Literacy Specialist in Maine, I have read it to several 4th grade classrooms and you could hear a pin drop! They were fascinated by the story and the art work. Keep up the fantastic work, Toni!

Stunning

Oh! That moment when the girl is watching her father open the sea chest, hoping for a kitten...and the reader turns the page...It's a heart-stopper. The language is rich and lyrical. The story is irrestible. I was entranced from beginning to end.