A Beach Tail

by Karen Lynn Williams Narrated by Dion Graham

Overview

Karen Lynn Williams "always takes readers on a worthwhile journey" (Booklist) with her critically acclaimed children's tales. A Beach Tail follows a father and son during a magical day at the beach. After Gregory draws a lion in the sand, his father tells him to stay close to it and not to wander away. So Gregory, taking his father's advice to heart, doesn't dare leave his lion-even when he draws its tail so long it extends the length of the beach.

Editorial Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

While Greg and his dad enjoy a beach day, Dad sets two rules: "Don't go in the water / and don't leave Sandy," a lion Greg has drawn in the sand. As the little boy continues drawing the lion's tail, he discovers myriad items along the shore. Williams's rhythmic, onomatopoeic Swish-swoosh of the waves and the clear, descriptive text transport readers into Greg's experiences, which range from spotting a "gooey purple jellyfish" to watching a "tiny ghost crab / scurry sideways into his dark, round hole." Cooper's mastery with pastels results in a grainy, sun-washed effect that conjures a hot seaside day. Most stunning are the endearing, intimate close-ups of Greg immersed in artistic play. Children will relate to his adventure, which pivots on the moment he realizes he has lost sight of his dad. But a winning combination of good memory and self-reliance lead to a most satisfactory ending. Scoop up this tale for its strength as a unique beach story and for its warm portrayal of an African-American son and father enjoying the outdoors. (Picture book. 3-6)

From the Publisher

★ "Scoop up this tale for its strength as a unique beach story and for its warm portrayal of an African-American son and father enjoying the outdoors." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★"A charming tale of creativity and discovery." — School Library Journal, starred review

"A lovely collaboration suited for every collection." — Booklist

AUGUST 2011 - AudioFile

On an outing to the beach with his dad, Greg uses a stick to draw a lion in the sand. When Dad observes that the lion needs a tail, a creative journey begins. Accompanied by sound effects of the beach, Greg, with his stick dragging in the sand, wanders down the beach. Dion Graham’s narration depicts his exploratory walk along the waterline. With each whooshing sound of the waves, Graham invites listeners to anticipate the next discovery—a horseshoe crab, a gooey jellyfish, and a sand castle. Graham’s calmness prevails as Greg travels far down the beach and has to use his wits and his wave-swept line to return to Dad. A.R. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170966042
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	03/07/2014
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	Up to 4 Years

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