The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles written by Michelle Cuevas and illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Review by Intern Jessica
The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles is beautifully illustrated and a touching story. The Uncorker does not have a name or friends. He spends his days alone collecting bottles from the sea and delivering the messages. One day he receives a message with an invitation to a party, but it does not have a name on it. He goes on a search to find the message’s recipient. He travels from place to place trying to deliver the message to its rightful owner. He feels defeated since he has never been unable to deliver the message. Finally, he decides to go to the beach and apologize to the writer of the note. When he arrives at the beach for the party, he finds the people he met along the way. Instead of feeling like he failed to complete his task, he feels joy in being surrounded by new friends. The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles reminds us that in the struggles it is helpful to reach out to others. Often we may hesitate to make connections, but this shows the wonderful possibilities that can happen.