Age Range: 3 and up
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (March 27, 1989)
From Publishers Weekly Greenberg's first book is a childlike tribute to the
sea, sand and sunshine of the shore. There are starfish snuggled into
the grainy beach, seahorses (inflatable) to be tamed and seagulls that
gather for a noisy farewell. The colors are as bright as a new set of
paints, and the artist sets simple shapes amid flat perspectives. It's a
welcome approach in picture books, as refreshing as a day at the beach.
Ages 3-7.
From School Library Journal PreSchool-- This quiet picture book gently follows a
child through a day at the beach. The slight text emphasizes the sensory
experiences of the day: "toes squish in hot grainy sand where starfish
snuggle and seashells whisper sounds of waves. . ." A static format
places text on the left page and illustrations framed in white boxes set
on pages which progress from pale sand to yellow to peach to lavender
on the right. These serene background colors direct readers' attention
to the bright colors in the pictures, each appearing like a snapshot on
the page, done in flat, stylized, primitive watercolors. An
alliterative, somewhat forced text, enhanced with attractive
illustrations, but lacking in child appeal. --Jacqueline Elsner, Athens
Regional Library, GA
