Once again, these sweet bears are out and about, this time on the beach.   In their joint attempt to build a sand castle the bears learn some important skills needed by all children who visit the seashore or a lake with sand.  As in life, when the first attempt fails it is time to move on to another approach.  As always, the bears are charming creatures who each possess their own personality yet it is the group effort that saves the day.  The rhyming flows as the seagulls themselves making for a satisfying storyline.  Walker’s illustrations come alive with action in splendid seaside colors. This title lives up to the past 8 titles and is sure to delight young children and the adults who read to them.

Public librarians will want to add this book to their group of books written by Parenteau.  Seaside and lake side pre-schools and primary schools should add this title to the media center and to early classroom collections.  Parents and grandparents may well gift this book to little ones in their lives who enjoy the beach.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME