Families who loved The Sea in the Way by Sophie Gilmore often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is feeling the heavy weight of physical distance from a loved one, especially after a move or a long-term departure. It provides a gentle, visual vocabulary for the 'sea' of big emotions that can feel like an obstacle to staying connected. The story follows a young girl named Cora who struggles with the departure of her grandmother. While the ocean separates them, Cora learns to navigate her sadness through letters and the realization that their bond remains intact. This is a quiet, contemplative read for children ages 4 to 8. It validates the reality that missing someone can be physically and emotionally tiring, while offering a hopeful path forward through creative expression and the enduring nature of love across great distances.