Town Is by the Sea

Reach for this book when your child starts noticing the rhythms of adult work or expresses anxiety about their own future and family legacy. It is a deeply resonant choice for children who are becoming aware of the invisible burdens parents carry, or for those transitioning into a phase of life where the carefree nature of childhood feels momentarily shadowed by the weight of growing up. This lyrical story follows a young boy in a Cape Breton mining town during the mid-twentieth century. While he spends his day enjoying the sparkling sea and sun-drenched hills, his mind constantly returns to his father, who is working deep in a dark coal mine beneath the ocean floor. It beautifully handles the duality of beauty and hardship, making it an excellent tool for discussing empathy, family tradition, and the quiet dignity of labor. The muted, evocative illustrations help ground the emotional weight, offering a safe space for children ages five to nine to explore complex feelings of worry and love.