July 2022

This summer’s reading program is called Oceans of Possibilities.  Therefore, I am reviewing Flotsam by David Wiesner. Find it in the Children’s Department picture book section of the Pine Bush Area Public Library.

It took the Caldecott Medal in 2007.  It’s a great book with the most wonderful pictures.  I was halfway through it before I realized it didn’t have any text.  There are a few words in it, for example, “Melville Underwater Camera,” and “One Hour Photo.”  But that seems to be it! 

On the flyleaf is written, “Flotsam: Something that floats.” What floats is an old-fashioned camera.  A boy finds it on the beach and takes the film inside it to the One Hour Photo to be developed.  Then he gets a great surprise when he sees what that camera has “seen.” 

Apparently, there’s more going on out there, underneath the surface of the sea, than anyone can imagine.  Giant squid being used as buses by mermaids, an octopus reading a book to its family, and green space aliens in underwater pressure suits.  Eat your heart out, Jacques Cousteau!  David Wiesner knows the real Secrets of the Deep!   Flotsam is a lot of fun.  Dive deep to get it.