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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
When the Sea Left by Nadine Holland is a cautionary and imaginative picture book that teaches children about the effects of littering and the importance of caring for the natural world. The story follows Felix Flynn, a boy who casually tosses his trash into the sea, thinking little of its impact. Each act of carelessness causes a mysterious mound to rise from the waves, warning Felix that ongoing pollution will lead to severe consequences. True to its warning, the mound eventually swallows the sea, leaving Felix and his community to face a barren landscape without fish, waves, or the joy of coastal life. The narrative is simple but effective, illustrating the progression from small personal choices to broader ecological damage.
Felix’s transformation from careless litterer to thoughtful advocate gives the book an instructive arc without feeling overly didactic. His shame and eventual determination to clean up reflect a journey children can understand and emulate. The return of the sea after the community bands together reinforces the power of collective action, showing that change is possible when people work toward a common goal. The final pages include a “seek and find” activity where children can search for sea creatures in the illustrations, as well as a short nonfiction section that explains ocean pollution in simple terms and offers practical tips for reducing waste. When the Sea Left is a parable about human responsibility and the fragile balance between people and the environment. By blending humor, warning, and hope, Nadine Holland encourages children to see their role in protecting the sea and, by extension, the planet.