Beach Reads in Picture Books

Photo by Susan Ujka Larson.  Available on Flickr for Creative Commons use.

Here are ten picture books to take to the beach.

Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies - Night is perfect for bats to enjoy the beach.

Beachcombing: Exploring the Seashore by Jim Arnosky - This guide will help you recognize the wonders of the beach.

Beach Day! by Patricia Lakin - Four crocodile friends set off for the beach.

Beach Day by Karen Roosa - Family fun at the beach is captured in rhyme.

Beach Feet by Lynn Reiser - Many different feet are on display at the beach.

A Beach Tail by Karen Lynn Williams - A boy leaves a trail to his beach drawing.

Harry by the Sea by Gene Zion - When a big wave covers Harry with seaweed, he is mistaken for a sea serpent.

Little Clam by Lynn Reiser - Little Clam faces many dangers at the edge of the sea.

The Sand Children by Joyce Dunbar - A father and son’s sand giant comes alive.

The Seashore Book by Charlotte Zolotow - A mother describes a day at the beach to her son who has never been there.

BooktalkThree

Reference librarian Carey Hagan has begun her long envisioned online record of booktalks.  A booktalk is a brief introduction to the characters and plot of a book with the intention of enticing a reader.   Teachers and librarians often use booktalks to promote reading.  Carey is writing her booktalks as she reads, and recording them on BooktalkThree for others to use. 

When Writing a Poem

Today while writing about W. S. Merwin, the newly announced 17th Poet Laureate of the United States, I discovered a poetry treasure on the Library of Congress' Website.  Poet Charles Simic shares "A few things to keep in mind while sitting down to write a poem."  His seven guidelines are simple, yet profound.  I know some of us like to try our hand at writing poetry, and that students are given poetry writing assignments.  Simic's list is an inspirational aid.

(Photo:  Lydia and me in the stacks at the Library of Congress, February 2010.)

A Great Traveling Read

Can You Keep a Secret?  This romantic comedy by Sophie Kinsella, read by Kate Reading on the Books on Tape version, is an excellent listen for a long drive or a daily commute.  As always, Kate Reading is outstanding.