Emma's Sea Journey

E. Jane Philipps is a science librarian in the Biology Library at
Queen’s University.

This book offers a happy blend of real world and dream world, of the
commonplace and the exotic. Set in Glace Bay, the story centres on a
young girl for whom every day seems the same: only the sea changes. She
daydreams of a voyage to a far-off land, then wakes to find herself
transported to a strange but beautiful island, where she meets children
from many lands. The children play games and share stories until they
decide it is time to go home. Emma returns to Glace Bay, with happy
memories of her adventure but with a new appreciation for the
“always” of daily life.

Emma’s Sea Journey does not convey the emotional impact or possess
the controversial aspect of other Quinlan works for children, such as My
Dad Takes Care of Me and Planting Seeds. It is a gentle tale, told with
subtle humor. Quinlan’s prose flows smoothly, with pace and timing
varying in a natural manner that gives the story movement and captures
the reader’s interest.

Marton’s luminous illustrations complement and enhance the text,
bringing the sea’s changing face to life. These paintings seem to glow
from within. The transition from the cool blues of the water to the warm
gold and yellow of the distant island creates a stunning, almost
tangible, change in mood and atmosphere. The gray shades of the opening
pages and the comforting rosy hues of the closing pages expressively
mirror the feelings of the story.

Children, both listeners and readers, will enjoy this pleasing
combination of sights and sounds.