This month, we’re getting ready to go to the beach!
Here are nine books about visiting the beach, whether it’s a day trip, a family vacation or a walk down the street.
Picture Books
“The Little Blue Cottage”
by Kelly Jordan, illustrated by Jessica Courtney Tickle
The little blue cottage loves the girl who comes to stay every summer. One summer, the girl doesn’t arrive. The little blue cottage misses her and wonders if she will return. Finally, she comes back with a child of her own to relive childhood summer magic.
“Day at the Beach”
written and illustrated by Tom Booth
Gideon is serious about sandcastles and wants to build his own. But it turns out that even once he succeeds at building the most wonderful sandcastle of all, he finds spending time with family is more important than making something perfect. This story is a gentle reminder to children that, sometimes, it’s important to relax and have fun!
“Hot Dog”
written and illustrated by Doug Salati
It is too hot in the city, and a dog needs to escape. His owner feels the same way, and they set off for a beach day to escape the stress of the city. This sweet story illustrates the importance of a getaway from daily stress and overstimulation, and it reminds children that everything can be better after a refreshing break, no matter how small.
Early Elementary
“The Beach Trip”
by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Kim Smith
Sofia wants to pack all her board games for the family beach trip, but then she won’t have room for all the other things she needs. She decides games are more important than clothes and has to borrow clothes from cousins, but when it rains, she has all the games her family needs to entertain themselves! Sofia is resourceful and sweet, and kids will relate to her silliness.
“How to Code a Sandcastle”
by Josh Funk, illustrated by Sara Palacios
Pearl has been trying to build a sandcastle all day, but she finally figures out the perfect solution! She can instruct a robot with computer code to build a castle for her. “How to Code a Sandcastle” demonstrates breaking down big tasks into smaller ones, which helps kids think differently about challenges.
Middle Grade
“Caterpillar Summer”
by Gillian McDunn
Cat knows how hard it is to be a responsible older sister to her brother, who has autism and tends to run off in public settings. She spends a lot of time caring for him. When Cat and Henry (aka Caterpillar and Chicken) go spend time with their grandparents on an island in North Carolina, Cat realizes that she’s allowed to worry about her own needs, not just those of her brother and mom. Kids who take care of their siblings will see themselves in this book.
“Wish on All the Stars”
by Lisa Schroeder
Juliet and her friends are trying to save the neighborhood bookmobile. Juliet practices bravery herself by selling her art to raise money for the bookmobile and finds new perspectives as she helps her town. This book teaches kids how to empathize with their community, and it may inspire young entrepreneurs to test their skills.
Young Adult
“Love and Olives”
by Jenna Evans Welsh
Liv’s mom is making her go to Greece to see her dad for the first time in years. In Santorini, Liv is swept into a documentary project about the lost city of Atlantis. She develops a relationship with her dad’s assistant Theo, and she gets to know her dad better than she ever has before. This book is sweet and light, while still addressing topics like mental health and repairing difficult relationships.
“We Were Liars”
by E. Lockhart
Cadence spends summer on the same island with her cousins every year, but one year, there’s an accident that changes her life and the dynamic of her whole family. Everyone is acting different, and nobody will tell her what happened to her. Two years after the accident, she returns to the island to find her grandfather’s old house completely renovated into a modern build. What happened that summer? Read this thriller to find out!
