Ella and Monkey at Sea

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Leaving home and traveling to a whole new place is overwhelming, so its good to have a beloved toy who can help express how you feel.

Ellas best friend, Monkey, doesnt like good-bye hugs. He doesnt want to say good-bye to Oma. And he doesnt want to move away forever. Neither does Ella. But Papa is waiting for them in New York. So Ella and Monkey must board the ship with Mama and leave their old home in Holland for their new home in America. Along the way, there is fish for dinner (Monkey hates fish), a playroom full of new kids (Monkey doesnt like strangers), and stormy seas that leave everyone feeling sick. Can Ella and Monkey find a way to weather the storm Will they ever feel at home again This sweetly illustrated picture book will appeal to anyone who has left home behind and to children who find creative ways to share their emotions.

Reviews

Based on the author's childhood experiences when her own family emigrated from the Netherlands, this story of a child working through her frustrations and adjusting to change with help from a toy is warm and comforting...A warm tale of catharsis and acceptance.
Kirkus Reviews

The book reflects Boons childhood experience of leaving the Netherlands and traveling to America on a ship that encountered a hurricane. She sensitively portrays a child who struggles with loss but copes by expressing herself through art and by transferring her emotions to Monkey and then comforting him. A satisfying picture book telling one immigrants story.
Booklist Online

Author Bio

Emilie Boon was born in the Netherlands and spent her childhood in California and Mexico. She is the illustrator or author-illustrator of more than twenty books. She says Ella and Monkey at Sea was inspired by her own childhood experience sailing to America, when there really was a hurricane, and she really did draw a picture of the sun during the storm. Emilie Boon lives in the Boston area.