When the Ocean Came to Town

A love letter to the ocean, and to adapting to climate change, the newest picture book by award-winning creators Sal Sawler and Emma FitzGerald will inspire young readers to build better solutions, and communities.

A great storm is coming.

Gretchen loves the ocean. She dreams of going to the beach on her own, with no one to make her leave before she’s ready. But between whispers of oil, plastic, and a rising sea, her parents warn her not to underestimate the strength of the water. A great storm is coming and everyone, big and small, must prepare to meet it when it does.

Gretchen soon sees the ocean’s power firsthand when the tides rise high enough to threaten her home. Can she help her neighbours rebuild after the storm is over, or is the damage too great?

With a strong message of community-building and climate activism, this charming debut children’s picture book from celebrated author Sal Sawler and award-winning illustrator Emma FitzGerald will inspire young readers to rebuild better, together.

Sal Sawler is the award-winning author of four books including this one. They worked with YouTube star Frankie MacDonald to write Be Prepared: The Frankie MacDonald Guide to Life, the Weather, and Everything, which won a Moonbeam Children's Award, and was shortlisted for Yellow Cedar and Hackmatack Awards. Their second book, 100 Things You Don't Know About Atlantic Canada (For Kids), was also shortlisted for a Hackmatack Award. If they aren't busy writing, they're probably marketing or editing a graphic novel for Conundrum Press, facilitating a workshop, or daydreaming about ocean waterslides. They live and work in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. salsawler.com

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