Olive Takes to the Sea by Erin Berge

Children’s Picture Book, 30 pages

Published by Orange Hat Publishing, 2024 

4/5 Stars

Reviewed by Denny Balish

Review:

Olive is a curious girl with an adventurous spirit that takes her on a courageous journey into uncharted waters far from shore. 

After returning home from a boat outing with her family, Olive decides to go it alone. She takes the little boat and rows out to sea where she is greeted by her seaward friends. Surprised to see Olive all alone, her friends, one by one, offer to help her on her way, but Olive refuses stating, “I must do it on my own. I know I have to try.”  With steadfast determination, Olive rows onward unaware of the danger that lays ahead.  When trouble arrives, Olive’s cry for help is quickly answered. 

This simple, engaging story keeps the reader in suspense as Olive rows further and further from home, not knowing where she will end up. With beautiful illustrations by Katie Gamb that artfully capture the life of the sea, each turn of the page draws the reader deeper into Olive’s seabound journey.

Olive Takes to the Sea captures both the joy of independence and the need for others in our lives. Although we might decide to go it alone from time to time, our need for connection eventually draws us together.  Through Olive’s journey, we learn that it’s okay to try things on our own but be sure to keep friends close by, just in case. 

Olive Takes to the Sea is not only a tale of adventure, but also a story about growing up and realizing how friends can help us weather the storms of life.

Readers who love adventure, particularly on the open sea, will enjoy this imaginatively rendered story of determination, courage, and friendship.

Reviewer Denny Balish is a certified coach, writer, and facilitator of transformative experiences. She offersWomen's Writing Circles and programs on The Heroine’s Journey and The Power of Personal Myth. Denny is published writer and member of the Wisconsin Writers Association. She is also a flutist with Madison New Horizons Band.  Website: www.dennybalish.com