As the school year comes to a close, kids love to start making summer plans. And whether or not you live anywhere near an ocean, nothing screams "summer" more than the thought of the sand and surf! Take a trip to the sea in one of these four very unique books...
RHINOS WHO SURF, by Julie Mammano (for ages 4-6) Bright pictures, playful text, and even a surf lingo glossary! Hilarious!
KERMIT THE HERMIT, by Bill Peet (for ages 5-8) Wonderful story told in rhyme (Dr. Suess style) about a Hermit Crab. Kermit is a "selfish shellfish" who hoards all kinds of unnecessary things. He is saved from a near mishap by a boy and discovers the value of sharing. My kids asked for this story over and over. Mr. Peet was a top writer and illustrator for several of DISNEY'S animated films, before becoming a children's book author/illustrator in the 1960's.
HATTIE AND THE WILD WAVES, by Barbara Cooney (for ages 5-8) Read about a little girl who lives by the sea, off the New England Coast at the turn of the century. Her dream is to become an artist. You'll love the richly detailed paintings as much as your child will!
ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS, by Scott O'Dell (for ages 10-12) A Newbury Medal was awarded for this riveting novel, inspired by the real-life story of a 12-year-old American Indian girl, Karana, and her fight for survival on an island off the coast of Santa Barbara, CA. One of my sons' and daughter's favorites.
I LOVED Island of the Blue Dolphins as a child but didn't remember it was a true story, or that it was an island off the St. Barbara coast! Unfortunately, I forgot to share this one with my own children when they were young. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteAlso, of interest, is the fact that Karana, the Indian girl, is buried in the cemetary at the Mission in Santa Barbara. There is a plaque that there commemorates her life.
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