Washed Out to Sea

A Heartwarming Ocean Adventure for Kids Ages 4-8

Children - Picture Book
35 Pages
Reviewed on 04/18/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite

Washed Out to Sea by Leslee Flanagan is an adventurous tale with a surprising friendship. Jake is celebrating his fifth birthday. He is finally old enough to swim to the raft in the water. Unfortunately, Jake is knocked over by a large wave and gets lost in the sea. Luckily for him, he's found by a friendly Beluga whale named Lucas. Jake and Lucas get to know each other, and Lucas offers to help him find his way back to his grandparents' beach. Information about Beluga whales is interspersed throughout. An informative diagram is included at the end. Will Lucas be able to help Jake return to the beach?

Washed Out to Sea is filled with summer and maritime vibes as Jake is excited to exert some independence by swimming to the raft by himself. Leslee Flanagan then turns what could be a scary situation into a friendship adventure. Kids will enjoy learning about one of the more unique ocean creatures, the Beluga whale. The illustrations by Remesh Ram are full of action and emotion. Jake's expressive face relays exactly the multitude of emotions he experiences in the ocean. Lucas, with his large white bulbous head and friendly smile, is a highlight. Leslee has included just enough information to pique kids' interest in Belugas and may encourage them to learn more about these creatures. Kids will also learn a little about water safety. Washed Out to Sea would be just right to read to little ones who are venturing into the ocean for the first time.

Shawna L. Thompson

In Washed Out to Sea by Leslee Flanagan, meet Jake, a courageous young boy who will captivate young readers. Despite his mother's warning about swimming too far out in the ocean, Jake decides to swim to a raft. Unfortunately, a colossal wave suddenly washes him out to sea, leaving him lost, scared, and alone. Jake meets Lucas, a majestic Beluga whale who is also lost and is searching for his way back home. Jake is curious about Beluga whales. Lucas tells Jake he lives in the Arctic near the North Pole. They realize they are both headed in the same direction. Lucas asks Jake to trust him and says he will help Jake find his way home by pushing him with his nose and searching for the beach. At first, they don't see Jake's beach, so they keep searching. When Jake was starting to give up, he saw the beach! He was glad he trusted Lucas to get safely home. Jake and Lucas form a bond of courage and friendship while trying to find their way home.

Leslee Flanagan's enchanting tale reminds us of the importance of friendship, bravery, and parental guidance. Remesh Ram's illustrations beautifully capture the range of emotions experienced by young Jake, fostering a deep connection with child readers. Washed Out to Sea is ideal for children aged three to eight. Its vibrant illustrations and exciting narrative will warm young readers' hearts. This book is perfect for reading aloud or adding to a classroom library. Join Jake and Lucas in this entertaining story that will leave you inspired.

Courtnee Turner Hoyle

Washed Out to Sea is a children's picture book by Leslee Flanagan. On Jake's fifth birthday, he couldn't wait to swim out to the raft just off his grandparents' beach house. He grabbed his new float and started swimming, but a big wave washed him out of sight of the floating raft and his grandparents' home. He was scared until a Beluga whale, Lucas, swam up beside him and spoke to him. Lucas had been separated from his pod, and both Jake and Lucas had to find their way back to their families. At the end of the story, Flanagan includes a diagram of the anatomy of a Beluga whale.

Leslee Flanagan introduces a new friend to young readers in the form of a Beluga whale. It's heartwarming to read about the instant friendship between Jake and Lucas and Lucas's desire to help the worried child. Even though Lucas's pod is farther north, he's willing to pause his attempt to locate them to help Jake get back to his grandparents' house. The friends manage hazards along the way and navigate the sea comfortably. The illustrations by Remesh Ram are beautiful, with vivid colors that draw young readers' eyes to every page. Children will learn interesting facts about Beluga whales, such as where they live and what to call a group of them. This book could open up a discussion with children about water safety and prepare them for the dangers they may encounter. Washed Out to Sea is a great selection for children who enjoy stories with marine animals.