A young child enjoys spending time at the beach with Uncle Mike. On the days when Mike feels well enough, they spend time searching for hermit crabs, flying kites, and avoiding jellyfish. On other days, his cancer keeps him in bed or at the hospital; then the child brings him shells so that he can hear the ocean. After Mike's death, the child is sad that she didn't get to say goodbye but finds comfort in wearing his old baseball cap and returning their pet hermit crab to the ocean. Zollman's simple, direct text reflects a child's point of view and limited understanding of illness and death. No scientific explanations are given, but Zollman describes postfuneral rituals (visiting and telling stories about the deceased) and notes sadness in everyone. Ives' tastefully subdued artwork highlights multiple shades of blue: lighter hues for the ocean on good days and darker shades for when Mike's illness progresses and storms ensue. The emphasis on natural landscapes is both appealing and soothing, providing solace for the child and readers alike.

It's not fair. I never got to say goodbye.