Elizabeth, Queen Of The Seas (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
Based on the real-life story of Elizabeth, an elephant seal who made the Avon River in Christchurch her home. When she decided to stretch out in the middle of a busy road there was concern she might get hurt or cause traffic accidents, so a group of locals tow her out to sea so she can find a new home. Elizabeth swims all the way back to Christchurch though so the group tows her out again - and again – and again, each time towing her further and further out to sea. It doesn’t work and she finds her way back home each time.Every time Elizabeth is towed out, a little boy called Michael misses his friend and the book focuses on their ongoing relationship. Eventually the locals admit defeat and put up a traffic sign to protect Elizabeth on her road. The final page has information on elephant seals; their eating habits, life cycles, habitat, etc.The illustrations are gorgeous! They are restfully coloured and are very cute, expressing the text perfectly. This is a lovely story and a must have for any child with a love of nature and people and animals co-existing. World-renowned swimmer and bestselling author Lynne Cox and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Brian Floca team up to bring us this inspiring story of an elephant seal who knew exactly where she belonged. Here is the incredible story of Elizabeth, a real-life elephant seal who made her home in the Avon River in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. When Elizabeth decides to stretch out across a two-lane road, the citizens worry she might get hurt or cause traffic accidents, so a group of volunteers tows her out to sea. But Elizabeth swims all the way back to Christchurch. The volunteers catch her again and again--each time towing her farther, even hundreds of miles away--but, still, Elizabeth finds her way back home. Includes back matter with information about elephant seals. From the Hardcover edition.
What do You think about Elizabeth, Queen Of The Seas (2014)?
Sweet story. Illustrations are charming. Will use for 2nd or 3rd.
—jana
Top Ten Science and Health Books for Youth 2014 (Booklist)
—kat
so precious. Can't wait to take on outreaches.
—jenny
