Sea Rex
(A Rex Book)

PreS-Gr 1--A high-spirited gang of dinosaurs, first seen in Tea Rex (2013) and Camp Rex (2014, both Viking), accompany their elegant friend Cordelia, her brother, and his ever-present teddy bear to the beach in this new adventure. In concise instructions, the proper young girl offers advice on how to best enjoy a "carefree day of fun in the sun." She recommends sitting near a lifeguard, using plenty of sunscreen, and waiting to go into the water after eating the picnic lunch. In addition to catching the waves, searching for treasures on shore is also an ideal way to spend the afternoon. "Even the smallest shell can contain the ocean's mighty roar." As the sun sinks below the horizon, the most important thing to keep in mind is "When you're surrounded by friends... life's a day at the beach." Beginning and ending with clever endpapers, the colored-pencil illustrations jauntily chronicle the memorable day at the seaside. Each precisely drawn picture captures a key moment in the dinosaurs' fun-filled day. On one spread, the T-rex gleefully rides the waves and a few pages later looks on in surprise as a flock of bold sea gulls flies off with the picnic basket. VERDICT Beach lovers will bask in the warmth of this witty homage to summertime.--Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston, MA