A Beach Tail

"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 lovely collaboration suited for every collection." --Booklist

At the beach with his father, Greg strays from his beach umbrella, but stays calm and remembers the two things Dad told him: Dont go in the water, and dont leave Sandy. Sandy is a lion Greg has drawn in the sand, and because Greg hasnt lifted the stick with which he has drawn Sandys long, long tail (circling, as he goes, a jellyfish, a horseshoe crab, and other beachside marvels), hes able to retrace his steps to find his father, whos delighted to see him. Cooper ("The Blacker the Berry") draws a startlingly real Greg in a series of tight closeups; readers will feel they can reach out and touch him. Grainy pastel and washed-out color evoke the seashores bleached palette, while Gregs reverent attention to the treasures he finds is the focus of every page. The representation of an African-American father and child in a nonurban setting is welcome, while Williamss ("Four Feet, Two Sandals") even pacing and soothing text reassure children without losing momentum. Most valuable, though, is Williamss belief in Greg and his resourcefulness; quiet satisfaction pervades his story. Ages 37. "(Feb.)" Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2A charming tale of creativity and discovery. When Gregory draws a lion in the sand, his father suggests that it needs a tail and a name. As the child begins making a tail with a stick, Dad reminds him, "Don't go into the water, and don't leave Sandy." Although Gregory does not go into the water, his interpretation of not leaving Sandy is highly suspect. As he continues to draw the tail, it leads him a long way down the beach. Gregory winds it around a purple jellyfish, a sandcastle, a horseshoe crab, and more, until he reaches a jetty. He turns around and has lost sight of Dad, but fortunately is clever enough to follow the tail back past his landmarks, until he finds part of Sandy, whose body has been washed away. Gregory is happy and relieved to see his father sitting under the blue umbrella on the dolphin towel. The pastel illustrations use a soft, muted palette and have a grainy, beachlike feel to them. Cooper does an outstanding job of using perspective to underscore the immensity of the beach and sea. Gregory's facial expressions are full of wonder and curiosity as he finds small discoveries during his adventure. A wonderful summer tale to share one-on-one or with a group."Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY" Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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

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