Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
At the Boardwalk
Illustrator: Monica Armino
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Tiger Tales, 2012 ISBN: 978-1589251045
The sun is rising over the sea, and it is going to be a lovely sunny summer’s day at the seaside. Joggers, some with dogs and strollers, run down the boardwalk. Then, after breakfast has been eaten, families stroll past the stores and restaurants. Kites and bubbles are blown here and there by the “salt-air breezes,” and people of all ages indulge in ice cream cones. Will that be one scoop or two?
There are so many things to do at the boardwalk. There are shops to explore, treats to eat, carousel rides to enjoy, and live music to listen to. Some people may grumble if it rains, but even when rain falls, the boardwalk is a splendid place to be.
In this delightful picture book we can see what happens on a typical seaside boardwalk from sunrise to sunset. The author perfectly paces her narrative so that her readers get a sense of the energy that builds over the day as games are played, snacks are eaten, and adventures are had. Then, as tired children and their families head home when the lamps come on, the tempo slows down, and a quiet blue softness replaces the golden sunshine. The ending of the book is as perfect as the feeling that you have at the end of a wonderful day.
