The Baker by the Sea

'If you keep walking over the hills and across the fields, you will come to the edge, where the land meets the sea. And on this edge lies a village. This is my home.' Paula White's wonderfully nostalgic story, The Baker by the Sea, draws inspiration from her childhood in in Lowestoft on the Suffolk Coast. She drew on observation of an abandoned village, old photographs and interviewing people who lived there. Paula visited a scale model at the local heritage centre, remade it, and sketched it in various positions and lighting. The illustrations were made using pencil and ink wash and add to the nostalgia.

In this village by the sea, a young boy draws attention to the roles that each person in town plays. Everyone is busy: the blacksmith, the boatbuilder, the baker. But most important of all, the boy thinks, are the fishermen who bring in the catch, braving the waves and windy weather to return with the finest, freshest fish. His father is a baker, but the boy wants to be a daring fisherman when he grows up, undaunted by the stormy seas.

Follow this beautifully written timeless reminder that everyone - and every role - is essential, no matter how small or quiet they may seem. This carefully written story is a wonderful window into the past whilst allowing conversations to be had about roles within communities. It could be linked to topics based on careers, roles in communities and the geography topics focused on costal villages. Above all else, this is a beautiful story which is a pleasure to read and share with children. I look forward to reading some more stories written by this fantastic author.

Picture book / Reviewed by Amanda Shipton, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+