ACCESS DIGITIZED EDITION
Guide/Reviews Database
PRESCHOOL
Ciccotello, Mike

Beach Toys vs. School Supplies

40 pp. | Farrar | June, 2021 | Trade ISBN 978-0-374-31404-0 $17.99
(2) PS An end-of-summer standoff between seasonal accoutrements (sans humans) highlights the tough transition from summer vacation to the start of school. A toy shovel is looking especially relaxed on the beach when Ruler shows up, casting a shadow over the scene. The two rivals begin aggravating each other, in text that bursts with groan-worthy puns: "'You school supplies are all the same,' Shovel said, getting a dig in. 'Work, work, work! When do you have any fun?'" Their taunts escalate to a challenge--a sand castle–building contest. Beach Ball, Swim Mask, and Bucket as well as Scissors, Pencil, Index Card, and others arrive and join sides. (Whistle referees.) A bright beachy setting, with the silhouette of an amusement park in the background, provides the perfect backdrop for the colorful assortment of personified tools, toys, and accessories, their expressive eyes heightening the story's humor and drama. Just when it looks like the school supplies will declare victory, a tidal setback threatens their sand "palace of learning." An act of generosity by the beach toys leads to a new connection between education and fun--and a joint end-of-summer beach party. While unlikely to diffuse any human resistance to a new school year, the silly seaside story, with its jaunty cartoon art, will help readers recall the joys of summer well into the fall.
Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2021

RELATED 

PRESCHOOL

The Farmer and the Circus
by Frazee, Marla
PRESCHOOL

Bird House
by Gómez, Blanca
PRESCHOOL

The Crow and the Peacock
by Fernihough, Jo
PRESCHOOL

Something's Wrong!
by John, Jory
PRESCHOOL

Grandpa Across the Ocean
by Yum, Hyewon
More

Get connected. Join our global community of more than 200,000 librarians and educators.

This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?