Top Ten Tuesday: Beach Reads

Rather than hitting up the dozens of summery themed romance novels, I decided to switch it around a little bit and share some great picture books today! And while I love the idea of the beach, as someone who is very pale, the beach is a lot of work to maintain the level of sunscreen needed to not burn to a crisp. Again, it’s a lovely thought, but it’s also a lot of work!

So whether you’re heading to the beach this summer or spending time at home, this list of beachy kids books are the perfect summer reads!

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Beach Reads

Beach by Elisha Cooper

“Away to the beach! Away to sand and salt water, to rolling dunes and pounding waves.” A day at the beach supplies any child with a lifetime of memories. In this new picture book by award-winning author Elisha Cooper, the simple magic of building sand castles, collecting seashells, and running from the waves is brought to life through poetic text and lively illustrations. Together, readers will be able to visit the beach year-round as they share this delightful book.

Beach Day Activity Book by National Geographic Kids

Colorful seashells, majestic sand castles, leaping dolphins, scuttling hermit crabs, wacky beachwear, and fun seaside sports are all part of a day at the beach! Kids discover all that and more in this fun activity book, jam-packed with 1,000 amazing stickers, activities, and games, and fun facts. It’s guaranteed to keep them engaged, entertained, and learning from sunrise to sunset, whether they’re beach-bound, in the car, or happy at home.

Day at the Beach by Tom Booth

Every summer, Gideon and his younger sister Audrey build a sandcastle together. But this summer, everything changes. Gideon decides to build the most spectacular sandcastle anyone on the beach has ever seen. And he’s going to do it on his own—without any help from his sister.

But much to his surprise, Gideon discovers that building together is more fun and that everyone has their own unique talent when it comes to creativity and imagination, even Audrey.

If You Spot a Shell by Aimée Sicuro

A warm summer breeze and the gentle waves of the ocean wash ashore many different types of shells. In this story a girl collects shells and thinks of all the magnificent things they can be turned into with a little creativity. She imagines one shell as a swimming cap for diving into the crashing waves, another as a magical kaleidoscope, one as a rocket ship to take her way up high and another as a submarine for exploring the wonders of the world below. The girl draws inspiration from the unique beauty of each and every shell.

In this joyous celebration of a day at the beach, artist Aimee Sicuro uses real shells she’s hand selected to make her oh-so-charming illustrations. Any young reader who turns the pages of this beautiful book will be inspired to use their own imagination as they comb the beach for shells this summer.

Jules vs. the Ocean by Jessie Sima

Jules is going to build the biggest, the fanciest, and the most excellent sandcastle. Her sister will be so impressed. But the ocean has other plans.

Jules keeps building bigger, fancier, and more excellent castles, and waves keep smashing them. And when the ocean takes her bucket, that is the final straw. Jules is going to take a stand!

The Sandcastle That Lola Built by Megan Maynor, illustrated by Kate Berube

Lola is building her dream sandcastle–one with a tall, tall tower and sea glass that sends signals to mermaids. But the beach is crowded, and soon enough, a boy steps on her castle. Not to worry! Lola recruits him to build a wall. When a toddler with a bulldozer starts digging too close the walls, Lola decides he can be in charge of digging the moat. As the sandcastle grows, so does Lola’s friendly group of helpers. There’s only one thing that Lola doesn’t want near the sandcastle: a wave! Will the new friends be able to salvage the mermaids’ castle when their hard work is washed away?

Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach by Melanie Watt

We know by now that Scaredy Squirrel only feels safe when he’s at home in his nut tree, with his defenses, his emergency kit and his back-up plans at the ready. So even though the sun is shining and it’s time for a vacation, Scaredy does not want to go to the beach — that vast, frightening place where a squirrel could get stranded. (Not to mention other hazards such as sea monsters, falling coconuts, seagulls, pirates and lobsters.)

Instead, Scaredy builds his own safe beach getaway under his nut tree, complete with germ-free inflatable pool, artificial beach scenery, a flashlight and a plastic flamingo.

Still, the lure of the genuine beach is strong — even a dedicated homebody such as Scaredy can’t resist it forever. Can his back-up plans save him from its perils? Will his No.65 sunscreen protect his delicate complexion?

To the Beach! by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott

It’s a perfect day for swimming, building sand castles, and flying kites. But will this wacky family of seven ever make it to the beach? First they need to go back for Fido. Then there’s the cooler full of soda. And what about Baby’s beloved ducky pail? Even with all the things everyone has forgotten to bring, the unpredictable weather, and the stop-and-go traffic, this family’s beach trip is sure to be the best yet. That is, if they (and all their stuff) can get there!

Turkey’s Sandtastic Beach Day by Wendi Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper

Turkey is visiting the ocean for the very first time! But when he arrives, he has to stay in Farmer Jake’s petting zoo on the boardwalk. If only he could get to the beach for some splashing and surfing…Luckily, his friends are determined to help him have an utterly crab-ulous beach day, offi-shell duties or not―and they get to have some fun along the way.

Wave by Suzy Lee

In this evocative wordless book, internationally acclaimed artist Suzy Lee tells the story of a little girl’s day at the beach. Stunning in their simplicity, Lee’s illustrations, in just two shades of watercolor, create a vibrant story full of joy and laughter.

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.