Johnny, the Sea, and Me by Melba Escobar and illustrated by Elizabeth Builes

 

Yesterday, I read Johnny, the Sea, and Me by Melba Escobar and illustrated by Elizabeth Builes. This magical realist novel is about Pedro Flórez, a ten-year-old boy who is bullied by Ulloa at school and whose father just left him and his mother, Manuela. When Manuela announces that they are are going on a trip to see the ocean on a small island in the Caribbean, he is excited and thinks it's a chance to leave his worries behind. After he presses Manuela about his dad at the blue cabin where they're staying, he is so upset that he runs away and gets lost. Pedro is found by Johnny Tay, an islander who is descended from pirates. Although Pedro is frightened at first, as he spends the night and the next morning with Johnny and his parrot, Victoria, Victoria shares the story of Johnny's pirate ancestor and Johnny shares his island, which changes Pedro's life.

I enjoyed this gentle story so much. Although it is deceptively simple, its messages are profound. I especially liked how Johnny stated that there is good in bad people and bad in good people, which is something I've come to believe over the years. Life isn't black and white, but shades of gray, and this book does a beautiful job of illustrating that. As for Pedro, I thought it was fascinating how he would grow when he's happy and shrink when he's upset or sad because that added a touch of magical realism to this book. I also loved his determination to prove his bully, Ulloa, wrong. Johnny was a compelling character, as well. It was so cool learning that his ancestors were pirates and I enjoyed how he was like a father figure to Pedro. While this story is thought-provoking, it is also funny at times. I thought Victoria was absolutely hilarious when telling the story of the Johnny Tay who lived 300 years ago and was good friends with the pirate, Captain Drake. Not to mention, it really made me curious about the treasure buried beneath the breadfruit tree on the highest point of the island and if it was found. Additionally, I thought the mixed media illustrations were wonderful and added to the mood of the story. If you like cozy, low-stake adventures with a touch of magic, I highly recommend Johnny, the Sea, and Me.