Emerson the Elephant Seal by Ginger Ngo

With its beautiful scenery, historic buildings, and laid-back nature, it’s easy to see why Victoria, British Columbia, is one of Canada’s top tourist destinations. There’s something for everyone, even those with the most discerning tastes… and maybe especially, if you happen to be an elephant seal named Emerson. Based on the true story of the city-loving pinniped, Emerson the Elephant Seal, written and illustrated by Ginger Ngo, is a delightful romp through BC’s capital city with Emerson as its star.

Undeterred, the sophisticated seal undertook the exhausting, six-day journey from Barkley Sound back to The Garden City.

Through vivid, playful illustrations, Ngo illustrates the adventures of Emerson and how he eluded motivated conservation officers and their best efforts to relocate him to a more elephant seal-friendly area of Vancouver Island. Undeterred, the sophisticated seal undertook the exhausting, six-day journey from Barkley Sound back to The Garden City. Ngo imagines Emerson taking in the sights of Butchart Gardens, zip lining, and delighting in little salmon sandwiches at the Empress Hotel before returning to his chosen beach. Ultimately, Emerson triumphs and is allowed to stay, with care taken to educate and enlighten citizens and visitors to his and other pinnipeds’ needs.

The idea of Home can be a tricky thing, and Emerson shows readers that sometimes it isn’t the most obvious or easiest choice. In her author’s note, Ginger Ngo recounts her own long journey to finding home, having come from the Philippines and eventually calling both the Philippines and Canada home.

Ultimately, Emerson triumphs and is allowed to stay, with care taken to educate and enlighten citizens and visitors to his and other pinnipeds’ needs.

Balanced in her approach, Ngo has crafted a captivating story that incorporates some great facts about elephant seals and their needs. Emerson the Elephant Seal is a great read-aloud for pre-k to early elementary aged children that explores themes of initiation to habitat and animal conservation, geography, and ideas of what makes a home.

Ginger Ngo is a Canadian illustrator and graphic designer who loves working with thoughtful people and creative minds. She is a proud immigrant from the Pearl of the Orient Seas with lots of stories to tell. Born and raised in the Philippines, with Chinese roots and a third-culture childhood, Ginger grew up with Filipino music, English books, Mexican telenovelas, Japanese cartoons and Chinese banquets. In Canada, she learned about winters, camping, public libraries, David Suzuki and Gore-Tex. Ginger illustrated the funny, adventure-packed picture book by Grant Lawrence, Adventures in Desolation Sound (2024). She lives in Vancouver, BC.

Publisher: Harbour Publishing (August 12, 2025)
Hardcover: 8″ x 10″ (32 pages)
ISBN: 9781998526345

Christina Barber

Christina Barber is a writer and educator who lives in Vancouver. An avid reader, she shares her passion for Canadian history and literature through her reviews on Instagram @cb_reads_reviews. She has most recently been committed to writing and staging formally innovative single and multi-act plays.