Finn the Little Seal - by Sandra Klaassen (Paperback)

About the Book

Finn, a baby gray seal, is afraid to go into the sea: it's just too big for him! His mother and his friend Sula try to persuade him, but Finn is happy sitting by his rock pool watching the little creatures. Then one day a big wave sweeps Finn into the sea. Can he overcome his fears and find where he truly belongs? Full color.

Book Synopsis

Finn, a baby gray seal, is afraid to go into the sea: it is just too big for him! His mother and his friend Sula try to persuade him, but Finn is happy sitting by his rock pool watching the little creatures.

Then one day a big wave sweeps Finn into the sea. Will he be able to finally overcome his fears and find where he truly belongs?

This is a heart-warming story about growing up and learning to embrace new experiences. Artist Sandra Klaassen fills her characters with life and expression and her dramatic landscapes are rendered in beautiful, detailed watercolor illustrations.

Review Quotes

'Watercolor images bring Finn's home in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland to life and create a lovely backdrop for this story; readers can almost hear the cries of the seagulls on each page. This is at once a delightful story about a young seal and a helpful lesson for young children who are reluctant to leave the comfort and safety of their familiar surroundings.'
- School Library Journal

A stunningly illustrated story... Told in both descriptive words and delicate, exquisite art works that depict wonderful things.'
- Midwest Book Review

'This sweet story of young seal pup, Finn, will encourage readers to overcome their fears just as Finn does... This would be a lovely read aloud for an ocean themed storytime... A heartwarming story with lovable characters.'
- Youth Services Book Review, 4 stars

When I first received Finn the Little Seal, I flipped through the book and was excited to read it because of the illustrations. They are so beautiful, and Finn looks so cute. I liked the part when Finn meets Sula because I thought it was nice that Finn made a new friend. I liked how the illustrations look a bit realistic. I think Finn looks so soft and that if I could touch him, he would feel soft and fluffy. I would recommend Finn the Little Seal to kids who might be afraid of something, so they can learn that maybe it won�t be as scary as they think.'
- Avery, Age 9, for Kids Book Buzz

'Gorgeous.'
- The Herald

About the Author

Sandra Klaassen was born in 1959 in the Netherlands but lived for many years on the island of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, from where she drew her inspiration for Scottish picture books Peg the Little Sheepdog and Uan the Little Lamb. She has illustrated over thirty children's books, including My Cat Mac, Mac's Christmas Star and The Cat Who Decided.