Flotsam

The term "flotsam" is defined as debris or wreckage that floats on the water after a shipwreck. In his wordless picture book Flotsam, David Wiesner tells the story of a young boy at the seashore and how the "debris" he finds creates a fascinating and fanciful world.

At first the boy is content with examining a hermit crab under a microscope. Then, a wave rolls over the beach and he discovers an old underwater camera. After developing the film he finds amazing pictures: sea creatures sitting on living room furniture as if it was their own, a town made up of sea shells, small green space men, one of whom is riding a fish like a horse at a rodeo. Then he finds a series of pictures of children holding pictures. The boy realizes these are children around the world and in different times who have taken their own pictures and returned the camera to the sea for other children to find.

The water color illustrations are exquisite and seem to lend believability to make believe. Since children often think make believe is real, this book will allow their imaginations to soar. This is a perfect book to share with children on a vacation to the seashore, or anywhere.

This book is a Caldecott winner and I would recommend it for children ages 5-10, but adults will also enjoy the delightful illustrations.

Keywords associated with this book: seashore, vacation, camera, photography, hermit crabs, fish.