Parents' Guide to

Ocean Meets Sky

By Jan Carr, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Boy remembers his grandfather in magical, visual tale.

Book Terry Fan, Eric Fan Picture Book 2018
Ocean Meets Sky Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 6+

Based on 1 parent review

freedomnys
freedomnys Adult
January 11, 2021
age 6+
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What's the Story?

In OCEAN MEETS SKY, Finn recalls conversations with his grandfather "who would've been ninety years old today" about “a place far away where ocean meets sky.” Finn builds a boat, falls asleep, and when he wakes up, the boat sails to open sea where Finn meets "a great golden fish." The fish has whiskers similar to the grandfather's, and Finn follows the fish to a magical land. Is this where ocean meets sky? As the fish swims toward the moon, Finn hears someone calling him from far away, waking him. It's his mom, who tells him she "made Grandpa’s dumplings." Finn looks up at the moon, which now resembles the face of his grandfather smiling down at him.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Readers are in excellent hands with the Fan Brothers, who here pair their trademark gorgeous art with a family story that's emotionally resonant and comforting. The art in Ocean Meets Sky is entrancing, but the story's also tightly crafted and satisfying. Early on, Finn's shown gazing out the window with a toy boat and framed photo of his grandfather beside him on the ledge. When he flashes back to his grandfather, they're sitting at a table with shells, a pipe, and a carved whale, images that the Fan Brothers bring back during Finn's magical journey. The past is present as the pipe reappears as a cloud, the shells as "an island of giant shells," and the whale floats in the sky as part of Finn's fantastic vision. Astute readers will note that the great golden fish that guides Finn has the same drooping Fu Manchu mustache as his grandfather, as does the smiling moon in the sky. And when his mom wakes him at the end for a dinner of "Grandpa’s dumplings," the cozy family unit feels warm and complete.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the magical world in Ocean Meets Sky. What are some of the things Finn sees there? If you imagine your own magical world, what would you like to include?

  • Why do you think the fish and moon both have faces that resemble Finn's grandfather?

  • Has any you loved passed away? What do you miss about them? Do you ever feel that they’re still close to you, the way Finn felt the presence of his grandfather?

Book Details

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