People of all ages headed back to the seaside this summer—and some younger ones may be looking for something to read when they aren’t frolicking among the waves any longer. Here are three books about kids’ adventures by (and in) the ocean, all recommended by Kirkus Indie:
Brian Rockvam’s charming 2019 children’s book, Seaside Summer, illustrated by Emily Bourke, draws on the author’s happy memories of family trips to a British Columbia island. The work shows children having a wonderful time on a similarly colorful isle—riding bikes, playing games, spotting animals and birds, and swimming, fishing, and boating to their hearts’ content. Our reviewer calls it “a vividly illustrated celebration of summertime that will resonate with readers young and old.”
The 2020 middle-grade mystery SandPeople by Cheryl Kerr brings readers to the Gulf Coast of Texas in 1998. There, 12-year-old Lea McKinney first finds odd sand sculptures on the beach and then encounters what appears to be the ghost of a blond girl in a blue dress. With the help of a new pal and the local historical society, Lea tries to suss out what’s going on. Kirkus’ reviewer calls the novel “a sensitive coming-of-age tale that shows the rewards of intellectual and personal growth.”
Kirkus Indie also reviewed See the Sea, a picture book by underwater photographers Alese and Morton Pechter, last year. In it, an angel queenfish takes readers on a tour of a coral reef while trying to meet a shark. When Jamie finally finds one, she reassures readers: “They’re not interested in us when other food can be found.” The book also offers tips on how to help protect undersea life. Kirkus’ reviewer notes that “this pleasing display rewards long gazing and helps the lessons about oceans, sea creatures, and environmental protections go down easily.”
David Rapp is the senior Indie editor.
