Looking for beach-themed books, either to prepare children for a trip to the beach or for reading during down time at the seashore? Join us throughout the week as we celebrate sand between our toes with a series of posts highlighting children’s books about beaches!
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Today we’re going to feature a few new and slightly older picture books that are the ultimate beach reads for the youngest set.
Chu’s Day at the Beach
Big things happen when Chu sneezes. In this newest in the series, Chu’s sneezes take him on an adventure to the beach. This silly book is sure to elicit at least a few giggles.
Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Publisher: HarperCollins (April 7, 2015)
ISBN-10: 0062223992
ISBN-13: 978-0062223999
Beach
It is the illustrations that will catch your eye with this one. Instead of full blown paintings, the pencil and watercolor illustrations are like a series of sketches, catching just the barest of moments in time. For example, instead of one stylish wave, there is a two-page spread of “sketches” of all the wonderful wave shapes you might encounter. The words help finish the paintings:
Waves come in hills and valleys,
in mountains and canyons.
Quiet, contemplative and beautiful!
Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Publisher: Orchard Books; Big edition (June 1, 2006)
ISBN-10: 0439687853
ISBN-13: 978-0439687850
Ladybug Girl at the Beach
Ladybug Girl at the Beach is an excellent choice to introduce young children to things that might happen at the beach before they actually go.
What’s to love about the series:
- Definite child appeal (who hasn’t wanted ladybug wings?)
- Realistic problems and solutions, not preachy
- Children going outside to enjoy nature
- Ladybug girl has a cute age-appropriate tummy bulge
Through the wonders of the Internet, a reading of Ladybug Girl at the Beach by Liz Shanks:
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Dial (May 18, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0803734166
ISBN-13: 978-0803734166
Beach Day
Told in playful verse, this picture book captures a perfect day at the beach right down to the fried chicken and deviled egg picnic for lunch.
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Clarion Books (March 19, 2001)
ISBN-10: 0618029230
ISBN-13: 978-0618029235
Seashells by the Seashore
Walking the line between fiction and nonfiction, this lovely book has many levels. It is a counting book, a seashell identification guide, and much, much more.
Age Range: 5 and up
Grade Level: Kindergarten and up
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Dawn Pubns; 1 edition (March 1, 2002)
ISBN-10: 1584690348
ISBN-13: 978-1584690344
Activity Books
Need something to keep your children engaged during the car or airplane ride to the beach? How about these fun activity books?
At the Beach (Dover Coloring Books) by Cathy Beylon
Age Range: 3 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 2
Series: Dover Coloring Books
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Dover Publications; (July 26, 2004)
ISBN-10: 0486436438
ISBN-13: 978-0486436432
Cats at the Beach Stickers (Dover Stickers) by Beth J. Logan
Age Range: 6 and up
Grade Level: 1 and up
Series: Dover Stickers
Paperback: 4 pages
Publisher: Dover Publications; Stk edition (September 3, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0486467848
ISBN-13: 978-0486467849
Check Dover Publications for Coloring books for Children – image and create.
Check out related Beach Books Week posts with many more book and activity suggestions (active links will be added through the week):
- Monday: The Beach Book: loads of things to do at lakes, rivers and the seaside
- Wednesday: Beach Reads for Older Kids
- Thursday: Feet, Go To Sleep Blog Tour
- Friday: Beach Science Book Suggestions for STEM Friday
What is your favorite beach-related picture book?
Disclosure: The books were supplied by my local library. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.