Off & Away

Jo’s dad has a very special job: he delivers all the messages in a bottle that get to where they’re supposed to go. It’s a tough job, and he’s gone a lot. Jo misses him and would love to go with him on the high seas, go on his adventures. But she’s also terrified of the oceans and the many monsters that reside within them.

Then her dad gets a bad sea cold and can’t do his job anymore. It’s now up to Jo to face her fears and do what needs to be done. Along the way, she meets these monsters and finds out they’re not that scary after all, and in fact, want to help and are very happy to receive their messages in a bottle.

A truly wonderful story about facing your fears, having determination, and learning that things aren’t always as bad as they seem. The artwork is adorable, each page filled with details and color that draw the eye. While it may be a little “wordy” for a picture book, it’s a great story to read to kids and then show them all the interesting and colorful creatures.