FLOTSAM Review

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wiesner, David. 2006. Flotsam. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618194575

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this wordless picture book, author/illustrator David Wiesner depicts a day at the beach. The main character starts his day off exploring items that have been washed ashore where he discovers an old camera. The camera takes the boy through a colorful undersea world and surprises the boy with pictures that connect him to others all over the world, and even from the past.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Wiesner’s illustrations invite the reader to experience the feel of the beach and ocean by using realistic coloring and fun images that capture the reader’s attention. The reader can easily follow the main character as he explores the beach and later finds an old camera. They boy’s actions accurate depict the responses one might feel about such an unusual discovery and allow the reader to imagine dialogue that might take place. The illustrations of what is happening under the sea allow the reader to come up with imaginative stories about the life of animals living in the ocean. The pictures within a picture and the surprise on the boy’s face all allow readers to feel that a major discovery has occurred. As the boy looks deeper into the photograph, the illustrations of people from all over the world and the past allow readers to connect with different cultures. As the camera’s journey begins again, readers are able to imagine what might happen next.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Award Winner
New York Times Best Ilustrated Children’s Book Award
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "This visual wonder invites us to rethink how and what we see, out in the world and in our mind’s eye."
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Filled with inventive details and delightful twists, each snapshot is a tale waiting to be told.”

5. CONNECTIONS
This is a great selection to get readers to think creatively. It can be used as a starter for creative writing activities in a group or individually.

This book can also be a useful tool for practicing predictions, as well.