INSIDE MY SEA OF DREAMS

In this picture book, a young girl realizes her desire for seafaring escapades.

“One night, as the silver moon shone bright, / I dreamed I was on a BIG adventure in a tiny boat.” In Conrad’s lovely work, based on her memoir, Inside: One Woman’s Journey Through the Inside Passage (2016), the dream of a little White girl named Suz comes true when she grows up. She acquires a rainbow-colored kayak named Kami and embarks on a 1,200-mile ocean voyage from Northern Washington state to Southern Alaska through the famous coastal “water trail” called the Inside Passage. The tale’s first-person narrative is alive with Suz’s determination, excitement, serious preparation, and appreciation for the wildlife she observes on land and in the sea. She sees beautiful and rugged scenery as she navigates busy ocean lanes, including “steep-walled fjords, just a sliver on the sea”; passes through a rainforest; and camps onshore. Suz faces challenges but relies on her skill and reliable Kami to bring her safely to her destination. Conrad’s light touch with her narration is well matched by Rothman’s graceful, full-color illustrations, ensuring readers’ engagement in the young kayaker’s sense of wonder and discovery. The book also includes information about Conrad and Rothman, “Fun Facts” that expand on elements in the text, lively commentary from the author about her real-life Inside Passage journey, and an inspirational “whatever makes your heart zing—do that” message.

A dynamic adventure tale, based on a true story, told in evocative images and prose.