April 15, 2024
In this rhythmic concept book, seashells transform into everything from bathing caps to rocket ships. "If you spot a shell, it could be your ride, cruising along a winding trail," the omniscient narrator muses. Children pedal by on bicycles whose wheels have been replaced by seashells. Sicuro incorporates photographs of shells into her mixed-media illustrations. They stand out on each page--this book is less about seeking and finding and more about expanding the imagination. It succeeds at every turn. Each scene playfully suggests what shells could become, from beach umbrellas and headphones to a Ferris wheel and kites. The book follows a tan-skinned child, out for a day at the beach with a grown-up. Racially diverse background characters populate most scenes. Nature lovers can cross-check shells from each scene with the endpapers, which depict neat rows of photographed whelks, scallops, and more, accompanied by labels in cursive. Others will revel in wondering what else shells could be used for. Either way, they'll enjoy this tale, which encourages kids to use their imaginations and think outside the box. The book concludes with instructions for making a sand art project and creating shell rubbings. Almost as fun as a day at the beach. (craft instructions) (Picture book. 3-6)
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Starred review from September 13, 2024
PreS-Gr 2-Young children learn through play and play everywhere, every day, and the protagonist in this story does just that. She sets out to explore the beach and begins to find shells of all shapes and sizes. Her understanding of shells starts to expand as she sees the variety within the category of "shells." This little one has learned a lot already. Shells can come in all forms, and she continues seeking them out. The child takes this even further when she begins to imagine how shells might look and how they might be used in different, creative ways. Some of the shells within the book are depicted in detailed, labeled photographs. The child and her mother are white, but there is diversity in others at the beach. VERDICT This book could jump-start art projects, writing experiences, and more. The art is perfect-a blend of collage and paint that seems to embody the very meaning of imagination.-Joan Kindig
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