Sand Cake

Sand Cake written and illustrated by Frank Asch (1978)

Sand Cake by Frank Asch (2015)

This classic story was first published over 35 years ago and will be reintroduced in an expected 2015 publication.

Baby Bear wants to make Papa a cake at the beach. Papa promises to eat it if Baby Bear uses eggs, milk, and flour to make it. Baby When he can’t do it, Baby Bear asks Papa Bear if he can make one. He promises to eat it because he doesn’t think it can be done. But Papa Bear makes a sand cake by drawing eggs, flour, and milk in the sand and then scooping the ingredients into Baby Bear’s bucket. While Baby Bear and Papa Bear float in the water, the cake is baking in the oven Papa Bear has drawn in the sand. When it’s ready to eat, Baby Bear draws a picture of himself in the sand around the sand cake. Now, it’s Papa Bear who is surprised and gives Baby Bear a huge hug. Then they both sit down to eat some of Mama Bear’s cake made from real eggs, milk, and wheat.

Frank Asch is the author of over 60 of children’s books. Sand Cake is one of many Baby Bear stories. It is a simple, yet treasured children’s picture book. The text is easy to read and the illustrations are endearing.

I have read and loved Baby Bear books since my own children were babies, and my classroom always had a collection of Baby Bear books for independent reading. I know from first hand experience how much children love Baby Bear. And I am so excited to see a new publication of Sand Cake coming out next year. It is sure to capture the hearts of the next generation of readers!

Shark Kiss, Octopus Hug

Shark Kiss, Octopus Hug written by Lynn Rowe Reed and illustrated by Kevin Cornell (2014)

Charlie and Olivia were best friends. And the one thing they both loved was watching families on the beach. More than anything Charlie the Shark wanted a hug, and Olivia the Octopus wanted a kiss. They tried all the obvious ways to get hugs and kisses, including signs, shows, and rides. But there were no takers. Everyone ran away from Charlie and Olivia no matter what they offered in exchange for hugs and kisses. In a final attempt, they decide to offer free food, but no one wanted their algae soufflé. Charlie was heartbroken, so Olivia wrapped her eight arms around him and gave him a huge hug, and Charlie puckered up and gave her a huge kiss.

Lynn Rowe Reed’s simple text is easy to read and fun for the kids. There are no real surprises, but lots of imaginative word play.

Kevin Cornell’s illustrations really draw the reader into the story. His facial expressions are priceless. You’ve just got to love Charlie and Olivia and their need for hugs and kisses.

I like this odd take on a beach story for preschoolers. The idea of kissing a shark or hugging an octopus is countered by the lovable characters. It’s nice to see them finally realize that they can give each other hugs and kisses. And it’s even nicer to see in the last illustration, that one little girl and her dog are willing to take the chance on two such odd friends.

When a Dragon Moves In

When a Dragon Moves In written by Jodi Moore and illustrated by Howard McWilliam (2011)

This is an imaginative story of a young boy and his dragon. As he tells us the story, the narrator guides the reader down the path of possibilities. It all begins with building the perfect sandcastle, because ‘If you build a perfect sandcastle, a dragon will move in.’ This of course has its advantages… the dragon will undoubtably be an asset on the beach. However, the downside is that your family is unlikely to believe you. The more they ignore your dragon, the more mayhem the dragon causes, and the more trouble you will be in until your parents insist that they’ve ‘had enough of this dragon business’. So you ‘vow never to build a perfect sandcastle again’ until tomorrow!

This is Jodi Moore’s debut picture book, but not her last. As a matter of fact, her second book When a Dragon Moves In Again is scheduled for release in the fall 2015. Jodi Moore’s lyrical language and magical story will have you wishing you had your own dragon adventure this summer.

The illustrations by Howard McWilliam are enchanting. There’s no place you’d rather be than on the beach with a dragon while reading this story, and Howard McWilliam makes sure you are transported there instantaneously. Every little detail is perfectly placed for a fun-filled day at the beach.

My advice… pick up a copy today and take a mini-vacation with your little readers. I guarantee you’ll love it and I’m pretty sure you’ll be tempted to build your own sandcastle, even if it’s just in a sandbox, because you know ‘if you build a perfect sandcastle, a dragon will move in’.

Note about me: I adore the beach! And my husband, who is an artist with sand can spend hours creating sculptures in the sand. While I’m busy trying to read or watch the people go by, he is attracting a crowd with his artwork. Here’s a photo of one of his sculptures, a little more crocodile than dragon, but it’s the closest I could find to one that matches the book selection today.