Emerson the Elephant Seal

A colourful, imagination-filled picture book for children aged 3-5, based on the true story of Emerson the elephant seal, who decided to abandon his home in the wilds for life in the bright city lights of Victoria, BC.
Emerson, a two-year-old juvenile elephant seal, keeps turning up in Victoria, BC, despite the best efforts of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans staff-who would like him to know that the provincial capital is not the best home for a 500-pound pinniped.
Born in January 2022 on Bowman Bay in Puget Sound, Emerson made headlines across Canada and gained a loyal following in Victoria, where he spent a month moulting at Oak Bay Marina Beach before making his way onto the grassy boulevard next to Beach Drive. Undeterred by several efforts to relocate him, Emerson returned again and again to Victoria's beaches and roads.
But what exactly brought Emerson back? In this energetic picture book, children will wonder: perhaps he longed to try the smoked salmon tea sandwiches at the Empress? Did Emerson want to roll all over the flowers at Butchart Gardens or take a tour of the BC Parliament Buildings? While wildlife officials have their theories, Ginger Ngo explores the capital through the eyes of Emerson in a way that will have Victoria's youngest residents and visitors laughing out loud.

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.