Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas Hardcover – Picture Book, May 13, 2014

Lynne Cox, the world-renown record-breaking long distance swimmer and New York Times bestselling author, has combined forces with Brian Floca, the Caldicott Award-winning illustrator to create a delightful and must-see book which tells the story of a beguiling elephant seal, Elizabeth, who prefers to live amongst the people of Christchurch, New Zealand, playing in the beautiful Avon River, which wends it way through the pretty little town, and lazily sunning herself on the riverbank and, sometimes, on the nice warm pavement in the middle of the streets, than to be out in the chilly ocean waters where most elephant seals tend to reside.The townspeople love Elizabeth, but when she comes close to being injured by cars in the street, they decided that for her and their own safety, she should be towed out to sea where she belongs. However, Elizabeth is a very determined elephant seal. She knows where her true home is, as does Michael, the wise little boy who dearly loves Elizabeth and keeps a lookout for her return. Each time she returns, the townspeople tow Elizabeth farther out to sea, but when she finally makes her way home, through the cold darkness of the night waters, and strong currents which would have deterred most, travelling for miles and miles on end, not letting anything get in her way of her goal to be where she belongs, the people of Christchurch heartily and lovingly welcome her back.This is a beautifully illustrated book - light and brightly lit with watercolor illustrations, illuminating Elizabeth's wonderful contented smile. She knows where she belongs.Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas is based on a true story told to Lynne Cox many years ago during a visit to Christchurch, and her book includes a photo of the REAL Elizabeth, along with some fascinating educational material about elephant seals.This is a keeper, to be read to your children and to be passed on down through the generations.

Service was excellent.

A good book but initially did not hold the interest of my 4 yr old granddaughter who was just starting pre-K and excited about that. Her 8 yr old sister looked at it and read it longer. But...I thought it was a good story, a real story, and had good pictures and will be talking it up and reading it when I visit. Pictures are like "watercolors" though, and I have noticed that simpler drawings and more vibrant colors are sometimes more attractive to little people.

Lovely artwork and a true story make this a wonderful true story for children. It reminds me of the story of Hershel the sea lion in the Ballard Locks in Washington State.

As as early childhood teacher and one who dabbled in writing process with the children it is so well written with example given and some repetition to be a bit predictable and very factual in such a pleasure way for any reader Will recommend and come and see her is she is still alive when I visit in2016

A beautiful story of a mammal clearly knowing where she belongs, showing her determination to stay there. I'm glad too, that the people of Christchurch, love, or loved her and found a way to accommodate her when they saw how determined she was to stay at Christchurch.

This is a really sweet story, written by a super author. Very cute illustrations.I got this for my grand daughter and she loved it! :-)

Precious book for children who love animals.