The Girl and the Seal

On a blustery coastline where waves break and gulls cry out, a girl named Mira lives with her grandmother, Nana Rose, the lighthouse keeper. Each morning Mira pulls on her mustard-yellow raincoat and navy boots, takes her red satchel and small brass binoculars, and walks down to the rocks to observe the harbour seals. Her favourite is Pip, a plump spotted seal with long white whiskers and round dark eyes. Nana Rose frequently reminds her that seals need calm space to rest and raise their pups, and that people should never come too near.

One sunny Saturday, a group of visitors noisily arrives with cameras and a red balloon, stepping onto the very rocks where the seals rest. The frightened animals slip into the water one by one, leaving the rocks bare and the pups bewildered. That night Mira lies awake, troubled by Pip's scared eyes, and resolves to create a bright blue display board teaching visitors how to watch seals without disturbing them. Written by Çınar BİBER, this gentle tale can be read on Masalcı Baba and follows Mira as she turns worry into action.