Town Is by the Sea: Winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration; a moving story of a child's love and admiration for his father and the precious legacy of family tradition, ages 4+

While a young boy enjoys a summer''s day, his thoughts constantly return to his father, who is digging for coal deep under the sea.

"An atmospheric, haunting story" - The Bookseller

Stunning illustrations by Sydney Smith, the award-winning illustrator of Footpath Flowers, show the striking contrast between a sparkling seaside day and the darkness underground where the miners dig. This beautifully understated and haunting story brings a piece of mining history to life. The ever-present ocean and inevitable pattern of life in a mining town will enthral children and move adult readers, as a young boy wakes up to the sound of the sea, visits his grandfather''s grave after lunch and comes home to a cosy dinner with his family, but all the while his mind strays to his father digging for coal deep down under the sea.

While a young boy enjoys a summer's day, his thoughts constantly return to his father, who is digging for coal deep under the sea. “A masterpiece. I can't recommend it highly enough.” The Independent "An atmospheric, haunting story." The Bookseller“Beautifully evocative. This book is pure delight.” The School LibrarianStunning illustrations by Sydney Smith, the award-winning illustrator of Footpath Flowers, show the striking contrast between a sparkling seaside day and the darkness underground where the miners dig. This beautifully understated and haunting story brings a piece of mining history to life. The ever-present ocean and inevitable pattern of life in a mining town will enthral children and move adult readers, as a young boy wakes up to the sound of the sea, visits his grandfather's grave after lunch and comes home to a cosy dinner with his family, but all the while his mind strays to his father digging for coal deep down under the sea.

• | Author: Joanne Schwartz, Sydney Smith
• | Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
• | Publication Date: Apr 05, 2018
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9781406378863
• | ISBN-10: 1406378860