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The specific ocean - Book Review

The specific ocean

Kyo Maclear and Illustrator Katty Maurey. (2015). Kids Can Press

The star in this book is the Pacific Ocean, the main character and her family remain unnamed throughout. We learn that their family of four live in a large bustling city, I presume in America, and go on vacation along the Pacific coast. There is much for New Zealand children to relate to with our homeland being a South Pacific nation, and this same ocean makes up part of our psyche and childhood memories for many New Zealanders.

When arriving at the ocean destination, the girl assumes it holds no value and her vacation break will be ‘boring’. However, once she spends time exploring she builds a strong admiration for the ocean’s beauty and magic. It offers her stability and keeps her mindful. ‘The whole world rushes ahead, but the ocean does its own thing, rolling backward and forward. Wash, swash, splush, hush. There is no late or hurry or racing in ocean time.’ She forms a connection with nature, which she uses to lift her spirits. ‘The ocean is so big that it makes every thought and worry I have shrink and scatter.’ She personalizes this developing bond, with what was initially a mispronunciation – the specific ocean, a phase that comes to symbolize the personal connection she feels with this special place. As someone who struggled as a child with pronunciation, I found that this vulnerability enhanced the story.

Another thread within the story that Kiwi kids will relate to is the concept of whakawhanaungatanga – the ways by which people come into relationship with the world (including the land), with people, and with life. The girl sees value in her connection to the ocean as her parents do to their homelands. ‘One thought stays. I want this ocean to be mine. Mama has a snowy mountain in Japan, and Papa has the South Downs in England. I want to put it in a bowl and carry it home to the city. If I had my own ocean, I could let my thoughts swim free and dream of an underwater life.

There is also conservation message about protecting and preserving the ocean; but to me the main takeaway message is about the wellbeing benefits of feeling connected to something that is bigger than oneself. ‘Because even when I go home, back to the city and my friends it will all still be there deep down inside me […]. No matter where I am, this specific ocean will be with me.’

Reviewed by Kim Higginson, Information Management Specialist

Monday

MONDAY

Start the week off with an act of kindness. On the first day of MHAW, take some time out of your day to help someone in a small but meaningful way. Even one simple thing, like carrying groceries or holding a door open for a stranger, can create a chain reaction of kindness that uplifts the whole community.

Ideas for how you can help someone today:

Tuesday

TUESDAY

It’s no secret that the pandemic, rising costs and extreme weather events have made things tough for our local businesses and organisations over the past few years. Today, we encourage you to tautoko/support an independent merchant or community organisation. Why not purchase a small gift for a friend from a local creator, or post about an awesome business or community group on social media? A little tautoko can go a long way in difficult times.

To support a small neighbourhood business or community organisation today, you could:

Wednesday

WEDNESDAY

We’ve made it to the middle of the week!

Feeling connected to others is strongly associated with better wellbeing, because it gives us a sense of meaning, safety, support and purpose. Give yourself — and your loved ones — a mid-week boost, by reaching out to a friend or whānau member you would like to catch up with.

You could connect with the important people in your life today, by:

Thursday

THURSDAY

As we move closer to the weekend, find some time in your day to connect with someone in your community that you don’t usually talk to. Introduce yourself to a neighbour, a parent at your child’s school, or someone at your local café . Building relationships with people who live in your community can create a supportive network, right at your doorstep. 

To get to know someone new in your community today, you could:

Friday

FRIDAY

What better way to finish off the week, than by saying thank you to someone in your community? Spread some good vibes by showing your gratitude today —  it could be to the courier driver, to a local volunteer, or to a workmate or neighbour…anyone who helps make your community what it is. 

You could express gratitude to those in your community today, by: