Girl from the Sea; Margaret Wild, illustrated by Jane Tanner

The family who live in the cottage by the sea are unaware that they are being closely watched. The ghost of a girl that has emerged from the ocean leaves no trace but she studies the family’s every move. She longs to be a part of their life, to have a family, to belong. But who is she and why does the cottage by the sea mean so much to her…

Girl from the Sea is a moving and mysterious ghost story about one young girl who watches the family that live their life in the cottage by the sea. The ghost-girl yearns to be a part of the family and join in with their days. The mother of the family who lives in the cottage appears to be looking for something. She is often presented separated from her husband and children and there are enough clues throughout the story that suggest there is either some connection to the ghost-girl or that the mother is mourning the loss of her own child. Was the girl once part of the family and does the mother see the girl as a replacement for the child that she lost are just a couple of the thoughts that I had as I was flicking through the pages.

There are very few words in the book and the reader is left to interpret much of the story for themselves. There are plenty of clues to guide readers to their conclusion but this by no means leads to a definitive interpretation of the story. The reader is left with many unanswered questions and each time I pick up this book I have a thought that never occurred to me previously. The book is illustrated in charcoal drawings with the exception of the girl, who brings a wonderful shade of blue with her wherever she goes and it makes for a striking contrast. All of the illustrations have that ‘wow’ factor, they are a true work of art and are haunting, sad and beautiful in equal measure.

I love a picture book like this. It is eerie, moving and beautiful. The limited text and evocative illustrations invite the reader in and then gently and quietly ask that they come to their own conclusions.

Recommended for 9+.