Customer Reviews

The Sea Chest

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Oh! That moment when the girl is watching her father open the sea chest, hoping for a kitten...and the reader turns the page...It's a heart-stopper. The language is rich and lyrical. The story is irrestible. I was entranced from beginning to end.

Toni Buzzeo takes us on a magical trip back through time to the days when the vigilance and skill of the lighthouse keeper were the only things between a storm tossed ship and catastrophe. But then, there were some storms so fearsome that even the lights were of no help. Auntie Maita's reminiscences of her solitary childhhod on fictional Sanctuary Island are lyrical and moving. She tells the story of one storm and the sea chest that washed up on shore in its aftermath. The connection between the contents of the chest and the event that awaits Auntie Maita and her grand niece eighty years later is one that will leave you in tears as you gently close the cover of the book.

This story made me cry, I was so moved. And the pictures are incredible ... I never get tired of looking at them. I've given copies to three friends so far and they report enthralled children. Wonderful!

The Sea Chest is an incredibly touching story that children and adults alike will love to read. The descriptive language is a wonderful example for young writers. As a Literacy Specialist in Maine, I have read it to several 4th grade classrooms and you could hear a pin drop! They were fascinated by the story and the art work. Keep up the fantastic work, Toni!

What a pleasure to discover this beautiful, debut book by Toni Buzzeo! The lyrical and soothing language of the text transports the reader through time and space to a rocky island off coastal Maine where a universal story about families and love unfolds. The exquisite illustrations by Mary Grandpre match Toni Buzzeo's voice perfectly. This book is superb for out loud reading in the classroom. A teacher can build upon the rich historical details about the lonely lives of lighthouse keepers, their families, and the anonymous mariners they protect. This book is also perfect for a cozy reading at home, snuggled with a lap child or two, in a big easy chair. Toni Buzzeo is a new author to watch!

...The book I read by Toni Buzzeo was enchanting and magical. Lovely story told by the grandmother in a wonderfully lyrical way. I felt like putting my head on Grandmother's knee while I read/listened to the tale. This is not only a book to be bought, but to be kept and treasured.

Toni Buzzeo takes us on a magical trip back through time to the days when the vigilance and skill of the lighthouse keeper were the only things between a storm tossed ship and catastrophe. But then, there were some storms so fearsome that even the lights were of no help. Auntie Maita's reminiscences of her solitary childhhod on fictional Sanctuary Island are lyrical and moving. She tells the story of one storm and the sea chest that washed up on shore in its aftermath. The connection between the contents of the chest and the event that awaits Auntie Maita and her grand niece eighty years later is one that will leave you in tears as you gently close the cover of the book.

If this is Toni Buzzeo's first book, I can't wait for more. The story as told by Aunt Maita was magical and it swept me away. And if the wonderful story isn't enough to convince you, then consider the lovely oil painting illustrations by Mary Grandpre. Absolutely gorgeous! You'll get lost in all the various hues in the shadows.

Truth be told, I am a professional illustrator myself and usually just buy picture books for their wonderful illustrations, but Toni's story is wonderful. This book has it all, how can you go wrong buying it?

Whenever we read this book my kids always ask 'Mommy, why are you crying?' It's a beautiful, touching tale about family, love, and adoption. I bought it because my family was formed through adoption, like the little girl's in the book, but I think this book could be appreciated by anyone. The pictures are gorgeous, the themes of the sea, the chest, and love carried throughout, and the writing is excellent.

If you are an adoptive parent this is a must-have for your child's library, particularly if, like the family in the book, your child comes from "so far across the wide Atlantic."

You will not want to miss this beautiful book that will surely make all the "Best" lists for 2002...... Anyone who has a love of Maine, lighthouses, family, sisters, or just a wonderfully told and illustrated story needs to read this TREASURE by Toni Buzzeo. Highly recommended as a gift book/but you will want one for yourself also!