Beach Play - Hardcover

Marsha Hayles' love of the beach inspired her to write Beach Play. A former English teacher, Marsha lives in Pittsford, New York, with her family. This is her first book for children.

Hideko Takahashi remembers playing in the surf of the Sea of Japan as a child. She lives in Los Angeles, California. This is her first picture book.

In this cheerful book, a debut for both author and artist, a dexterous poem about a family's day at the beach provides a staccato, rhymed accompaniment to the gently prankish humor and skewed perspectives of energetic acrylic illustrations. The round-faced heroine and her spotted dog (not mentioned in the text) dig holes in the sand ("Smacking/ Packing/ Sandy/ Stacking"), they have lunch ("Blanket spreading/ Picnic lunching/ Sandwiches made for/ Beachy munching"), and after a long day in the sun they fall sound asleep in the back seat of the family car ("Backseat nesting/ Ocean gleaming/ Seaside resting/ Beach day dreaming"). Although the slim plot alone might not sustain a wiggly reader's interest, Takahashi embellishes the text with plenty of wave-drenched action, and Hayles briskly propels the narrative with infectious rhythms and unpredictable language. Young readers will especially enjoy the endearing spotted dog, who not only borrows a red Frisbee from a napping canine but earnestly enters into every activity. A choice summertime read. Ages 3-7.
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