Scan barcode
nyawind's review against another edition
5.0
This book has no words, just images. The images are highly detailed and creative. The story depicts a curious boy spending his day at the beach. While observing the creatures of the coast he got knocked down by a wave. When he collected himself, he noticed a camera, “Melville Underwater Camera”. He took it and showed it to his friends, wondering where it could’ve come from. He realized there was film and went to have it developed. He was very anxious in anticipation in what he’d see. The images showed fantastical images of sea life such as a mechanical fish and stretching starfish.
This book was incredible and didn't need words. A book such as this would be great in the classroom. I might use it to ask students to write their own words for the pictures, or ask them to create a short story about what they would do if they had the pictures.
This book was incredible and didn't need words. A book such as this would be great in the classroom. I might use it to ask students to write their own words for the pictures, or ask them to create a short story about what they would do if they had the pictures.
lokidotter's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great wordless picture book. It would be great for introducing a unit on photography or discussing different forms of art with kids or in the classroom.
cloudwriter's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
kim_j_dare's review against another edition
5.0
Paired this with one of this year's Virginia Readers' Choice nominees, Immi's Gift, since both stories deal with unexpected gifts from the sea. Immi got an okay reception from the kids, but those who hadn't read Flotsam before fell instantly in love. David Weisner's artistic talents and ability to take readers on a journey they weren't expecting make for a real treat.
mdevlin923's review against another edition
5.0
A young boy is exploring the beach when an underwater camera washes up near his feet. He develops the film and is astonished at what he finds: image after image of unbelievable underwater creatures and finally a picture of a child holding up another picture of a child. Using his microscope, the boy sees that the pictures of the children go all the way back for hundreds of years. He takes his own picture right before the camera is pulled back into the water by a wave (and eventually washes up on another shore to another child).
Stunning and imaginative; this story will inspire children to think creatively about what's going on far out at sea and about those who have come before us.
Stunning and imaginative; this story will inspire children to think creatively about what's going on far out at sea and about those who have come before us.
justonemorebookhonest's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kitsuneheart's review against another edition
4.0
A charming tale told all in pictures. A boy finds an underwater camera at the beach. When he develops the photos, he sees a magical underwater world. Finally, he joins in the chain of people who ahve shared this discovery, putting in new film and returning the camera to the sea.
Since there are no words, the pictures in this book had to be phenomenal. And they are! So much so that they won the Caldecott Medal. Each image has the larger overall plot, of course, but there is always a little detail to be found. An octopus leg coming out of a box, a feisty crab, an alien poking a fish with a stick. Taking the time to find the details with young readers will give this book some real staying power.
Since there are no words, the pictures in this book had to be phenomenal. And they are! So much so that they won the Caldecott Medal. Each image has the larger overall plot, of course, but there is always a little detail to be found. An octopus leg coming out of a box, a feisty crab, an alien poking a fish with a stick. Taking the time to find the details with young readers will give this book some real staying power.