Hush Little Beachcomber

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fun summer time title with your child! 

Hush, Little Beachcomber is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Hush, Little Beachcomber tells of all the fun to be had in the sun and at the beach. Following the rhythm of "Hush Little Baby" you'll be taken on a day of adventures on the sand, in the surf, and with the seagulls. The beautiful story written by Dianne Moritz is perfectly accompanied by the warm and summer illustrations of Holly McGee.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Predictions:
Before reading Hush, Little Beachcomber comb through the pages with your child. Ask them questions about what they are seeing in the pictures. Have them use the pictures to make predictions about the text. Where do they think the story takes place? What types of activities are they seeing? Then as you read see if their predictions were correct. By furthering their engagement with the book, you'll be deepening their connections to the story. 

Do this with your child:
Hush, Little Beachcomber is written to mirror the rhythm of "Hush Little Baby." As you read, try to follow that rhythm and if you would like to, sing the story to your child. You can watch and listen to the original "Hush Little Baby" by clicking here.

If you're interested in sharing Hush, Little Beachcomber with your child you can find it from EDC Publishing/Usborne Books here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. 

Sand Sister

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fun summer time title with your child! 

Sand Sister is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Paloma and her parents spend a magical day at the beach in Sand Sister written by Amanda White. When Paloma sees all of the other children playing with their siblings on the beach she draws herself a sister in the sand and makes a wish to have her very own sibling to play with. See how her wish is granted in this charming story of imagination and friendship.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take a Picture Walk:
Before you read Sand Sister take a picture walk through the story and ask your child what they see on each page. Start by just asking about what is on the page, a family, rocks, the ocean, etc. You can then take that information further and ask what they think is happening and what will happen next. After you read the story see if any of their predictions were correct.

Do this with your child:
Sand Sister is a story fueled by a little girl's imagination and play. Ask your child to draw a picture of something or someone that they would come to life and help them to write a short story of their own about this person or creature.  

If you're interested in sharing Sand Sister with your child you can find it from Barefoot Books here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. For more from illustrator Yuyi Morales check out her website.