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DISPLAY: A Day at the Beach


By Molly Idle
New York: Viking, an imprint of Penguin Group, 2015.

What could that be down in the sea? Is it a fish? A snail? A mermaid’s tail? No, it’s bigger than that . . .a LOT bigger . . .it’s Sea Rex! Join Cordelia and her cretacious companions as they spend a memorable day at the beach, as only dinosaurs can do!

Written by Michael Bond
Illustrated by R.W. Alley
New York: HarperCollins, 2009.

Nothing goes quite according to plan when Paddington Bear goes to the beach. Especially when, one by one, he is joined by hungry (and sneaky!) seagulls. Will Paddington's lunchtime snack be safe? Join one lovable bear and his ten flying friends for a delightful counting adventure!

Written by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Bob Marshall
Apex: The Cornell Lab Publishing Group, 2018.

At the Cape Cod shoreline, gulls perform acrobatics in pursuit of a sea star.

Written by Darren Lebeuf
Illustrated by Ashley Barron
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2020.

A girl with a disability explores every facet of the ocean during a day at the beach. A girl spends an entire day exploring the seaside with her mom. A keen observer, she sees the ocean as both "big" and "small" and both "sparkly" and "dull. It's also "dotted and spiraled and wavy and straight." Her ocean is full of sounds -- it "splashes and crashes" and "laughs and hums." But, at times, it's silent. She is inspired to examine and celebrate every part of her ocean and doesn't let anything hold her back. A delightful nature companion sure to awaken the explorer in every child.

By Fiona Lumbers
London: Andersen Press USA, 2020.

Clem is an explorer, a collector, a protector of the seas! Treasure hunting on her beloved beach, she stumbles across Crab, whose claw is stuck in a plastic bag. Crab will be much safer and happier in the city with Clem, but doesn't he belong on the beach? A stunningly illustrated, timely tale of cleaning up our beaches, with the message that every small action helps.

By Samantha Cotterill
New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2019.

Going to the beach is exciting. But it can also be busy. And loud. Sand can feel hot or itchy or sticky...and it gets everywhere! In This Beach Is Loud!, a sensitive boy gets overwhelmed by all the sights, sounds, and sensations at the beach. Luckily, this kiddo's dad has a trick up his sleeve to help his son face these unexpected obstacles. Combining accessible storytelling and playful design, This Beach Is Loud! gently offers practical advice for coping with new experiences to children on the autism spectrum and/or with sensory sensitivities.

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