Susea Spray (text) and Emma Stuart (illustrator), A Day on the Brine (A Big Blue Boat #2), Spray Publications. February 2025, 32 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780645224061
The background of Susea Spray inspires A Big Blue Boat: A Day on the Brine. She lives the life of a cruising sailor. Their home is a traditional big, blue sailing boat. In the boat, they have sailed three oceans, seen amazing animals, and visited incredible places. The Big Blue Boat now lives in Europe. Northern hemisphere summers find Susea and her husband on board, continuing their journey through the rivers and canals of Europe. The sailing journey has been the inspiration for Susea to write her children’s books. A big blue boat: A Day on the Brine is the second book in the series. Our review of the first book is here.
Susea’s love of the sea is evident on every page. Set on the West Coast of Australia, it invites young readers to experience the adventures of life on the sea. There are so many activities that emanate from the pages from whale watching at sea or from the shore, bird spotting, fishing from a boat or pier, finding out more from the sea as a participant and as a researcher.
The question ‘And what do you/think she sees?’ drives the story forwards.
Emma Stuart the illustrator’s artwork shows her immersion in Susea’s experiences on A Big Blue Boat. An enjoyable collaboration.
Suitable for ages 3-7 plus.
Reviewed by Susanne Gervay
