Review - Seb and the Sun

Seb and the Sun
by Jami Gigot
Date: 2018
Publisher: Ripple Grove Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 36
Format: hardcover
Source: library

Seb is determined to find some light for his sleepy coastal town. It is so far north, the sun does not shine in winter and the days are cold, dreary, and dark as night. So Seb embarks on a mission to find the sun. Along with his friend Walrus, he makes a plan, collects supplies, and rows far out to sea. Will Seb be able to find the sun and bring its light and warmth back to his town?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a fanciful story about a little boy who lives in the far north. During the winter, it's dark, and Seb has to play in the darkness. He wants to bring some light into the gloom, so he comes up with a plan. With his friend Walrus, he takes some supplies (including honey sandwiches; who knew walruses liked those?) and heads out to sea in a rowboat, determined to catch some sunlight.

The story here is simple, and there's not a lot of text. The pictures really steal the show, though. They're dark, and yet playful at the same time. You can almost feel you're in this northern place, with the auroras overhead and darkness surrounding you. When Seb finally finds his sunlight, the illustrations are infused with a gentle glow of warmth that brightens the lives of his friends, neighbours, and family.

I don't think I've read a book with a setting like this before, and I really enjoyed that aspect of it. I don't know that a child could actually have a walrus for a friend, but it's not like you can capture sunlight in a bottle, either. Sometimes it's best not to overthink these sorts of books.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 5/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4.17 out of 5