The Strange Sound by the Sea

Gilda Rose Kalathil explains why her young children were so enthusiastic about the latest book in Haley Stewart's mystery series for children.

The third book in the series Sister Seraphina Mysteries, The Strange Sound by the Sea by Haley Stewart, is an enticing read. Aimed at kids 7 to 10 years of age, this book has an engaging story line based on Catholic mice characters and a fictitious religious congregation that live below G.K. Chesterton’s house.

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The mice are going for a summer break to the beach where they hear a strange noise in the night. Soon after, all the sandwiches go missing. It is Sister Seraphina and her two students, Dom and Goldie, finding clues while staying safe from humans who solve the mystery.

My kids, 4- and 7-year-old boys, made me read through the whole book in one stretch which shows how interesting and tuned in they felt with what was happening in The Strange Sound by the Sea. Author Haley Stewart has a beautiful writing style that connects with young readers and allows them to imagine and reflect on various aspects of the story. The little snippets of fun facts related to what is going on maintains readers' curiosity about the happenings in the book.

The illustrations by Betsy Wallin are full of expression and imagery that are a joy to young children. The map and house plan of the St. Wulfhilda’s Abbey and school are added fascinating details.

In seemingly ordinary interactions in the story the virtues of kindness, charity, mercy, and community are depicted with ease and clarity. I especially loved how Mrs. Tiddlywink’s frustration is diffused good-naturedly and with generosity. Even finding the rogue mouse was with the intention of his well-being.

Get ready for some fun reading and gleeful faces with The Strange Sound by the Sea, and prepare yourself for the aftereffect of kids looking for mice hiding in the car, under floorboards, and on the beach!

Ask forThe Strange Sound by the Sea at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Pauline Books & Media.