Cumulative Picture Book

Picture Book Review – The Quiet Ocean

THE QUIET OCEAN

Written by Charlotte Offsay

Illustrated by Abi Cushman

(Beach Lane Books; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

 

The Quiet Ocean cover creatures under the sea.

 

★STARRED REVIEW – School Library Journal

 

Charlotte Offsay and Abi Cushman have created another terrific picture book together called The Quiet Ocean. This one is a companion to The Quiet Forest. Cushman’s illustrations draw readers into the soothing blue ocean with her delightfully silly sea creatures living their best lives, until unexpected havoc turns their world upside down.

The book’s endpapers depict the ocean floor, but it’s not what you would expect (NOTE: Don’t miss the other endpapers after you finish). A bike leans against a rock, across from a beach chair, and a bathtub and a rubber ducky sit alone not far from a harmless (?)-looking pufferfish. After the title page, where there’s a clever glimpse of a yellow fish tail, readers see that same cute pufferfish swimming happily amongst the seaweed and rocks, gliding in and out of the marine algae and seagrasses. Until…

A squid, wearing a shower cap and drinking a cup of coffee, soaks in a tub with a brush in one of his eight arms. As you can imagine, this would scare anyone who saw it, even a sea creature who has lived his life on the ocean floor. The pufferfish’s fright releases ink, and this obviously startles the squid. His once-clean body is now covered in ink! Tension builds.

 

 

The Quiet Ocean int1 pufferfish scaring a bathing squid.
Interior spread from The Quiet Ocean, written by Charlotte Offsay and illustrated by Abi Cushman, Beach Lane Books, ©2026.

 

 

A playful puffer and a startled squid in a suddenly not-so-quiet ocean. Offsay uses cumulative structure in each event, creating a fun read for both the reader and the listener. Splattered ink surprises the relaxed green turtle as he lounges in his beach chair. He falls out of the chair, spilling ice cubes from his glass, and scurries past a dolphin riding his bike. FLAP! SPLASH! The cumulative chaos continues.

The dolphin’s splashing upsets the shark, who is doing what all sharks tend to do — knitting a blanket in a lounging chair. The shark grabs the knitted blanket, which causes the yarn ball to wrap around the chair, seagrass, and rocks; the pufferfish and turtle’s eyes open wide when the shark swims into a wedding cake the whale is meticulously decorating with icing. Oh, what a mess! So … page turns quicken.

A playful puffer, a startled squid, a troubled turtle, a distressed dolphin, a shaky shark, and a wailing whale in an oh-dear-this-is-out-of-control ocean.

 

 

The Quiet Ocean int2 ink frightens a turtle.
Interior art from The Quiet Ocean, written by Charlotte Offsay and illustrated by Abi Cushman, Beach Lane Books, ©2026.

 

 

Havoc turns to calmness when the whale hears the ocean’s song. The shaky shark de-stresses the distressed dolphin, and the troubled turtle soothes the startled squid. Ahhh! Now that feels good.

It’s impossible not to smile while reading this story. Children learn the importance of calming their bodies and minds in stressful moments. It’s a story to share after a difficult day at school, or a funny read before bedtime. Both Offsay and Cushman have created a book teachers will keep on their shelves for years to come. Offsay and Cushman’s long list of children’s books is on my reading list, and I especially recommend this one.

 

  • Reviewed by Ronda Einbinder

 

 

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Picture Book Review – The Pie That Molly Grew

 

THE PIE THAT MOLLY GREW

Written by Sue Heavenrich

Illustrated by Chamisa Kellogg

(Sleeping Bear Press; $18.99; Ages 4-8)

 

The Pie That Molly Grew cover Molly with huge pumpkin

 

 

From the Publisher:

“Beginning with the planting of a single seed, the journey of bringing a pumpkin to harvest comes to life for young readers. Under Molly’s watchful eye and care, each stage of growth is showcased. And at the end, Molly’s lovely pumpkin is turned into a delicious pie for one and all to share in a celebration of gratitude. Back matter includes fun facts about pumpkins, the important pollinators who help them grow, as well as a pumpkin pie recipe.”

 

Review:

It’s amazing what comes from a single seed—a plant, a bountiful harvest, a delicious recipe—but on another level that seed also sprouts tradition and community. And that’s the story Sue Heavenrich and Chamisa Kellogg tell in their new book, THE PIE THAT MOLLY GREW.

 

The Pie That Molly Grew int1 this is the seed
Interior art from The Pie That Molly Grew written by Sue Heavenrich and illustrated by Chamisa Kellogg, Sleeping Bear Press ©2023.

 

Following the cumulative structure and rhyme scheme of A House That Jack Built, Heavenrich follows a plant’s journey from seed to sprout … vine to flower … and fruit to table while touching on science concepts like photosynthesis and pollination. Illustrator, Chamisa Kellogg, adds to the book’s seasonal appeal with textural artwork in muted tones.

And while I’m not usually a fan of cumulative stories (or stories that riff on a familiar rhyme), this one is exceptionally well-written. Nothing comes across as forced or monotonous. It flows wonderfully. The phrases are varied each time they appear yet never deviate from the established rhyme pattern. I also love that each variation inspires a deeper understanding of the scientific processes involved in growing plants.

 

The Pie That Molly Grew int2 this is the vine
Interior spread from The Pie That Molly Grew written by Sue Heavenrich and illustrated by Chamisa Kellogg, Sleeping Bear Press ©2023.

 

Accessible backmatter offers readers and/or teachers more information about pumpkins, pollinators, and a pie recipe. A delight to read! Click here to download a pdf of kids’ activities.

  • Reviewed by Roxanne Troup

 

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