7 Beachy Books for Kids
Whether you and the kiddos will be feeling beach sand between your toes this summer or just the stuff from the neighborhood sandbox, a great book about the sun and surf is always in season. So slick on the sunscreen and grab a cold juice box—cocktail umbrella optional—to settle in with one of our favorite sunny beach reads for kids. From a sneezing panda who parts the seas, to a black-and-white dog–turned–Loch Ness monster, these children’s lit characters just can’t turn their backs on the ocean.
Chu’s Day at the Beach, by Neil Gaiman and Adam Rex
Chu is a little panda with a big problem: his powerful sneeze. In previous adventures like Chu’s Day, readers quickly learn that when Chu sneezes, big things happen. And a family trip to the beach provides a lively and colorful backdrop with fun characters (merpandas!) for this cute story about what happens when Chu’s sneeze splits the ocean in two. Can Chu coax out just one more ah-choo to set things right again?
Llama Llama Sand and Sun, by Anna Dewdney
For the littlest beach babies, check out this interactive Llama Llama board book with touch-and-feel elements for tiny hands. Feel Llama Llama’s scratchy sand castle, the squishy green beach ball, and his soft blue towel. Kids can even check out their reflection in the little llama’s mirrored sunglasses as he frolics in the sand and surf.
Aqualicious, by Victoria Kann
The fabulous Pinklacious is enjoying a day of fun in the sun and searching for seashells with her family when she finds a miniature mermaid named Aqua. Pinkalicious and her little brother, Peter, want to show Aqua all the fun things they do at the beach, but the merminnie—a rare type of mermaid—is ready to get back home. Pinklacious and Peter promise to take her, but they have to beware of crabs, seagulls, and sharks in this colorful addition to the Pinkalicious series.
Ladybug Girl at the Beach, by David Soman and Jacky Davis
Lulu—aka Ladybug Girl—has never been to the beach, but she’s super-excited! However, that was before she knew just how big and noisy the ocean is. Lulu and her basset hound, Bingo, bide their time at the beach, avoiding the waves by building sand castles and flying kites. But ultimately, the courageous Ladybug Girl has to face her fear to rescue her pail from the water.
Penguin on Vacation, by Salina Yoon
“I need a vacation,” sighed Penguin. Yes, as it turns out, even penguins need vacations, and this little guy is taking a break from the cold and snow to head somewhere more tropical. But when Penguin shows up at the beach, he’s a fish out of water. However, his new friend Crab quickly shows him how to have fun in the sand and surf. But, of course, Penguin must soon return home. So where does Crab head when he needs a trip? Penguin’s wintry wonderland of course! Who knew a crab could rock a scarf and earmuffs so well?
Duck & Goose Go to the Beach, by Tad Hills
Goose never wants to leave his beloved meadow, but his best pal Duck wants to head out into the wide, wide world. But once the pair hike to the beach, Goose loves the ocean, while Duck is none too thrilled with the loud waves and hot sand. The pair encounter plenty of adventure and other animal friends during their beach trip. But at the end of the day, they’re both happy to return to the place they love best—home.
Harry by the Sea, by Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham
Harry is a black dog with white spots who loves everything about the beach—except the heat. He just wants a shady spot to escape from the sun, but there’s no room for him under the family’s umbrella or in the children’s sand castle. A big wave comes along and cools Harry off, but it also leaves him covered in seaweed, making everyone think he’s a sea monster. (Seriously, did everyone learn nothing after Harry became unrecognizably covered in dirt in Harry the Dirty Dog?)
What’s your favorite children’s beach book?