Off to See the Sea - Nikki Grimes, Elizabeth Zunon (Picture Book Review)

Summary: Off to See the Sea

In Off to See the Sea, a boy is cajoled into bath time, and with his mother’s help and an active imagination, bath time becomes a more whimsical and enjoyable experience.

The Good

This is one of those picture books that takes you by surprise. The reluctant toddler is transformed into an enchanted child by the end of bath time. Illustrator Elizabeth Zunon’s pictures have an almost captivating mosaic nature and the reader is transported into a sprawling waterfall, the bottom of the sea, and then a swimming pool as the child enjoys bath time. Ever the poet, Nikki Grimes rhythmic language carries the rest of the story until the reader arrives at the end just a bit too soon.

I love how dreamy this book is, both in it’s text and in the illustrations. It is sure to engage the imaginations of little ones who may not be the biggest fans of bath time. Just prepare for lots of splashing and bath time adventures after they read this one.

Overall: Off to See the Sea

Off to See the Sea is a charming picture book with a lot of whimsy — a bit like Time for Bed, Miyuki. Yet, it describes one of the most mundane experiences: bath time. If you’d like to bring the magic and wonder of the sea into your bathroom, this would be a sweet picture book to read with your little ones. With minimal text and unique, eye catching illustrations, this is sure to be a memorable picture book and a welcome addition to the line up of picture books about bath time!

Buy This Book

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Have you read this book or any others by Nikki Grimes? I read and enjoyed her Jan. 5 release Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance. It’s lovely if you enjoy clever poetry.