About the Book
Seemore the Seagull is a lovable people-watcher who observes the behavior of the diverse beach-goers on Revere Beach. He wants everyone to get along no matter what color, language, shape, or size. He becomes very upset when he sees some children argue and fight about sharing sand toys and destroying each other's sandcastles. He helps them learn to cooperate, and together they build a castle that makes them all happy. By listening or reading the story, young children learn respect for diversity and the benefits of sharing and cooperation. The illustrations and photos in the book capture the essence of historic Revere Beach, the first public beach in the United States.
About the Author :
Ralph Tufo is a retired college professor and has been a professional musician for over 35 years. His band, The Squeezebox Stompers, tours throughout New England. He has released 11 CD recordings and has received four Boston Music Awards. In addition to writing Seemore the Seagull, he has written several short plays, over 50 songs, and 3 full-length musicals. The Katrina Roadhouse musical is about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The musical comedy, I'd Rather Be Lucky Than Good, is about golf, fate, and friendship, and Beyond the Blues is a Zoom Production recorded in 2021 about the power of music in overcoming life's difficulties. A live production of Beyond the Blues is scheduled for production in the Spring of 2022. Ralph's had several staged readings of plays at the following venues: North Shore Community College, Internal Matter in South Boston, and the Community Church of Boston. His play, Wrong Place, Right Time, was produced at the Boston Playwright's Platform Festival and the Saugus Theater Company's Staged Readings. To view The Squeezebox Stompers' video of the sea chantey, Seemore the Seagull, along with other related information, log on to www.squeezeboxstompers.com and click on the "Sea Chantey" tab at the top of the website. Contact Ralph if you'd like a book reading or a performance of the sea shanty, "Seemore the Seagull" at: ralphtufo@gmail.com Amanda Grafe is an author and illustrator from New England. She enjoys spending time with her dog, writing about the arts, and making the world a better place. In addition to illustrating the books in Julia Reid's Alex and the Magical Coat Series, Amanda has authored three of her own children's books, My Best Ghoul Friend, Baby Bunny and the Balloon, and The Sneaky Mouse, illustrating two of them. Having spent his childhood in neighboring Chelsea, Revere Beach was always a favorite destination of Steve's. Today it remains his a favorite place to visit, or take long walks with his dog, Bella, who loves and appreciates the long crescent shape of this first public beach as much as Steve does. Steve's interest in art began in grade school when at age 9, his collage was chosen for an exhibit at the Public Library. That interest continued through his student and adult life. Recently his work has been exhibited in several galleries in Boston and the North Shore. Steve's Professional affiliations include the Griffin Museum of Photography, Lynn Arts Association, ReachArts Swampscott, Greater Lynn Photography Association, Newburyport Arts Association and Marblehead Arts Association.
Review :
illustrations come together beautifully to spread the author's message."
"Seemore the Seagull is a thoughtfully written children's book by Ralph Tufo. The book is about a Seagull named Seemore and his perception of people as he wanders around Revere beach in Massachusetts.
Seemore is a seagull who loves Revere beach and to observe people and the sights from the sky. He likes to watch children play on the beach, but his heart aches when he sees young children quarrel about trivial things. All people look the same from the sky, so he finds it difficult to understand why people fight. Seemore wants everyone to overcome their differences and live happily.
What I liked most is how the book imparts moral values to children through a simple regular story. The author has named his main character the seagull as Seemore. I feel this is very thoughtful because the seagull sees more than what meets the eyes. The author has conveyed the noblest message of treating each other equally through this straightforward book. In the world today, we see people fight based on color, race, or status. The author wants children and adults to overcome this barrier and live with compassion and empathy.
The book is written in rhyming sentences like a poem, making it catchy and easy to understand. The illustrations are colorful and realistic. I have visited Revere beach a few times, and I could relate to all the landmarks and events mentioned in the book. I also learned some new facts about Revere beach.
The book is well suited for children of ages 5-8 years. It can also be read aloud to younger children and would make a valuable addition to the library." - Deepa Pujari, OnlineBookClub.org
"This adorable story uniquely calls attention to how we as humans treat each other, but from the perspective of a seagull! It is a lovely reminder that our words and actions matter, pairing perfectly with the idea that though we may all have our differences, we are still very similar. Seemore the Seagull's rhythmic structure and beautiful illustrations come together to spread the author's important message." - Frankie Ann Marcille; Author, Educator, Advocate
"Seemore the Seagull is an enchanting multicultural story about a wise and watchful seagull. On his daily jaunts to Revere Beach, Seemore enjoys observing the diversity of the beach-going population, but is troubled when he observes arguments among children and a lack of tolerance and understanding based on ethnic and cultural differences. Seemore's actions highlight the importance of cooperating with others who may be different from us, and the joy that comes from recognizing and appreciating that our similarities as people are far more important than our differences." Shiala Higgs, Retired Teacher and Literacy Coach, Regional Multicultural Magnet School, New London, Connecticut.
"Seemore the Seagull, is a wonderful depiction of a day at Revere Beach from the perspective of the feisty, yet wise seagull, Seemore. Seemore is a curious and wise observer of human nature. Through Ralph's lyrical prose, Seemore opportunistically grabs treats, watches children and adults as they go about their beach day, and he even lends a hand to solve a problem of children getting along. The photos by Steve Levin depict real scenes that unfold every summer day at Revere Beach. Amanda Grafe's illustrations add depth to the bird's eye view to this lovely story that ends with cooperation and a very tired Seemore. A great book to pack up to enjoy at the beach with your young ones, but enjoyed by all!" -Mary Mitchell, Retired teacher, currently working for The Winthrop Parent Network supporting early literacy and parents.
