Guest Author - Karen Ledbetter

“The Sea Chest” is the first picture book by library media specialist and author Toni Buzzeo.

The fictional story was inspired by a legend involving the Hendricks Head Light keeper in Maine following a storm in the mid-1870s.

The book begins with elderly Maita sharing a childhood story with her sister’s great-granddaughter. Ten-year-old Maita, the light keeper’s only child, loved her parents dearly and enjoyed spending time with her parents, but she was lonely and longed for a brother or sister.

One winter night an exceptionally strong storm brewed off the coast of Maita’s tiny island. Maita’s papa spotted a ship tossing in the waves but, other than keeping the lighthouse light burning, he could do nothing to help the ship.

By morning the storm ended, and Maita joined her papa to survey their island’s coastline. Maita was hoping to find bits of sea glass to add to her collection. Instead, Maita and her papa discovered a bundle of mattresses tied together. Upon hearing a mewing sound from within the bundle, Maita and her papa worked hard to untie the knots. They found a leather sea chest inside the mattress bundle. They opened the chest and found a wet, cold, and crying baby girl inside. Maita named the baby Seaborne and carried her new sister home.

Illustrator Mary GrandPre’s exquisite watercolor illustrations add visual beauty to this endearing story.

I cannot say enough about this wonderful book! I’ve read probably thousands of children’s books over the past decade, and “The Sea Chest” is definitely one of my family’s favorites! It’s one I’m sure we’ll read over and over, as well as treasure for future generations in our family.

The Sea Chest, published by Dial Books for Young Readers, retails for around $17. I can’t think of a better gift for any child to unwrap during this year’s holiday season!