The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles

All of us yearn to be included, to have friends and to be appreciated. The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles written by Michelle Cuevas and illustrated by Erin E. Stead tackles this idea from a nuanced perspective. Pastel images convey the watery context of both ocean and fantasy world and strike the perfect note of mystery and dreaminess.Cuevas writes that the main character–the Uncorker of Ocean Bottles–“Had no name.” This choice is brilliant because his anonymity renders him as “Everyman” that part of all human beings, kids and adults, who crave recognition and validation. The Uncorker dedicates himself to his life task: ensuring that he locates the rightful recipient for every message in a bottle he discovers. Through his diligent efforts, he finds purpose, steps beyond his own loneliness and engages with others. His actions solve his “problem.” He is so pleased with the results of his efforts, he commits to repeating his efforts. Young readers will recognize the great model he sets. Adoption-attuned Lens: Action is key to overcoming fear, creating connection and displacing loneliness. This book helps adopted children to see the benefits of reaching out instead of waiting for others to reach out first. (This is not to shift the burden of creating family connection from the parents but rather to show kids how they can contribute to the process.) --Gayle H. Swift, "ABC, Adoption & Me"

Ok, my daughter and I really enjoyed this book. On the surface it seems an odd little tale but each time we read the book we love it more. At the start of the book you can really feel the loneliness of the Uncorker and see it in the amazingly poignant renderings of his face by Erin Stead. You almost can't help but stare at his face in each picture. The pictures also feel lonely, often only the bottom 1/3 of the page is painted or only a circle in the middle. He wishes for something more, for a connection but then he remembers that he has no name, no friends, and that he "stank of seaweed and salt and fisherman's feet." Then he finds in a bottle the invitation to a party by the seashore with no addressee. This forces him to go out and interact with other nameless people: the cake maker, the candy shop owner, a woman buying chocolate-dipped treats, a girl in a green dress, a seagull, a sailor, and a one-man band. You get the feeling there are a lot of lonely people out there waiting to be approached. He shows up to the seaside at the appointed time of the party bearing gifts of seashells and finds all the people he talked to also there with gifts. They have their own party and dance to music they create. In the end the "Uncorker's heart was a glass vessel filled to the brim." The story unfolds in just the expressions on the Uncorker's face. Snead's amazing illustrations begin to fill the entire page giving us a subtle feeling that the Uncorker's entire world is fuller now. This is a book my daughter and I both enjoyed!

A book with an amazing voice! My kids love Michelle Cuevas! It's an important challenge to confront our own emotions, and her books really guide kids through that inner journey. The art fits so perfectly. Also check out  Confessions of an Imaginary Friend: A Memoir by Jacques Papier  . One of our favorites!

The poetry of the title is what led me to purchase this book to read with my child. The illustrations are beautiful and complement the story quite well. There are moments in the text to savor for the seasoned reader. More than once I found myself thinking: this, young listener, is what language can do when telling a story. The ending (not the very end, but nearing it) seems a bit rushed (not inappropriately so for the age group), but I wanted Cuevas to tease it out a bit more if only to stay in the world she created for a bit longer.Stead's art inspires the same kind of wonder and energy of possibility. Her depiction of the Uncorker captures a balance between joy and suffering. The character might be lonely and experience a sense of longing, but it is also clear from his depiction that he is very much engaged with the world around him and has a keen sense of purpose.Michelle Cuevas and Erin E. Stead: Thank you for the story.

This is one of those odd and beautiful books about belonging and human connection. The illustrations are done by Erin Stead, and have a softness that is still powerful and works very well with the story. I think this quiet book is a great choice if you want to talk to children about forming friendships and including others.

This is a wonderful story, with a rather untraditional plotline, but a great message. If you've ever wanted a friend, if you've ever wanted to be a part of something, read this book. It's moral is timeless.

this was a beautiful story. I'm so glad I read about this book in an article. I recommend it for children 4-8

Really enjoyed this book! Bought The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles for my 4 1/2 year old granddaughter.

Beautiful book with lovely message.

Très beau livre, poétique et de très belles illustrations pleines de douceur qui laisse place à la rêverie. À ne pas manquer