Going to the beach every year was one of my favorite parts of the summer when I was growing up. And it still is. Now that summer has officially started, it’s time to head to the beach. But if you can’t go to the beach, reading about the beach might be the next best thing.
These three picture books will inspire young book lovers (and the adults who read with them) to spend long hours playing in the waves, building sand castles, spying on seagulls, and smelling the salty air. And perhaps more importantly, each picture book also highlights that the beach is a setting that emphasizes connection. It could be bonding with extended family and annual traditions, or bonding with a new friend. Or it could be a connection to the environment and a shared responsibility for keeping beaches clean. Celebrate the beach until you get there, with these picture books set at the beach!
big family beach day by nina cruz
Inspired by the author’s own childhood, this vibrant and colorful picture book tells the story of Maya, who meets with her extended family at the beach once a year. Maya enjoys jumping in the waves, playing on the shore, and eating “the best sandwich ever.” But most of all, readers feel Maya’s love for her mother, grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Hello, ocean! By Corinna Luken
A young girl enjoys all the elements of a fog-filled beach morning as she welcomes everything she sees – from the sand to the wind to the sea grass. But then he starts seeing man-made garbage. With less joy, but obvious determination, she and her parents clean it up together before returning to a day of fun at the beach. I like how the author avoids being preachy in this book but still manages to deliver a powerful message about litter and responsibility.
Swasby and the Sea By Beth Ferry and Juana Martínez-Neal
Swashbee is a retired sea captain who enjoys the peace and quiet of living on the beach. But when a young girl and her grandmother move in to the vacant house next door, the peace on the beach becomes very short. Swashbee tries to write funny messages to the girl in the sand, like, “No trespassing.” But the ocean waves erase most of the message, so instead the girl watches “sing” and follows the instructions…out loud. While Swashby misses his loneliness and is resistant to change, the sea acts as a matchmaker to give a grumpy old pirate the connection he really needs.
the children are absolutely fine
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If you want to read more children’s books about the sea, here are some suggestions of children’s books about the sea, a list of mermaid picture books, and a roundup of 50 books featuring pirates. Happy summer reading!
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