Dog, Cat and Mouse all live happily together by the sea with their household chores neatly divided. But when a Fox comes ashore, he causes all sorts of trouble. He brings tempting items from The Winds of Change company that will change their lives. Dog’s gardening is criticized for only being buried bones, so the stranger offers Mouse herb seeds and new cookbooks. Dog is encouraged to wear a new collar and is upset at Cat’s laziness. Cat is shown how dull and repetitive Mouse’s cheesy recipes are by the Fox offering some canned fish. Soon all of them are at odds with one another. In the end, Mouse heads away along the shore, but is picked up by a wave and carried out to sea. When Cat tries to help, she has trouble floating. So finally Dog, rescues them both. Now the lives of the three look very different, so was the Fox actually helpful or harmful?
Grey’s book is about cooperation, working together, and also outside influences which can be seen in different ways. She has created a picture book that is not definitive about the Fox and his influence. The nuanced conclusion offers room for discussion and speculation. Grey’s illustrations continue to charm. She incorporates photographs and cut paper art into them to great effect. They have a whimsical charm that invite readers right into the world she creates.
Another winner from a great picture book author and illustrator, this book will be a great addition to any beachy story time. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Reviewed from copy received from Alfred A. Knopf.
Also reviewed by:
Waking Brain Cells 
3 thoughts on “Book Review–Three by the Sea by Mini Grey”
Comments are closed.