Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee

With enough lunch for three, Mr. Magee and his dog Dee head out to the sea. But what begins as a fun day in the sun turns a bit bumpy when one playful whale decides to say hello. Soon the crew that once was floating finds themselves flying! How will they get down? Who will come to their rescue? And when will they ever get to eat lunch?

Chris Van Dusen’s Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee is a delightfully bouncy adventure that’s perfect for reading aloud on rainy afternoons or sunny beach days. The rhyming verse rolls off the tongue with the rhythm of ocean waves, making this a story kids will want to hear again and again. Van Dusen’s signature illustrations are bursting with color and whimsy—each page is a treasure hunt of details that young readers will love discovering.

This charming tale captures the unpredictable joy of a day by the sea, where even the best-laid plans can take an unexpected (and hilarious) turn. The story celebrates friendship, problem-solving, and the kind of gentle chaos that makes childhood adventures so memorable. Whether your little one is fascinated by marine life, loves silly situations, or simply adores dogs, this book delivers on all fronts.

Perfect for:

• Read-aloud sessions with toddlers and preschoolers
• Young readers who love rhyming stories
• Anyone who enjoys ocean-themed adventures
• Fans of Chris Van Dusen’s distinctive artistic style

Stop by Perkins Cove Bookshop to pick up your copy—it pairs wonderfully with the salt air and the sound of gulls just outside our door.

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