Yaya and the Sea lets readers follow along on a special trip to the ocean. The book begins with Yaya and her mom waking before dawn and traveling through the city to meet Yaya’s aunties on the train. On the train, Yaya listens to her mom and her friends chat, and we understand how fortunate she feels to be included on this journey. When they reach their destination, we get to watch along with Yaya as the four friends participate in a special ritual to welcome spring and new beginnings. Tonya Engel’s illustrations depict this peaceful and significant moment in beautiful detail. Yaya and the Sea is a lovely story, and I can see many readers wanting to take this serene journey with Yaya time and time again.