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Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Found, written and illustrated by Sam Usher. templar books, Candlewick Press. Penguin Random House, 2024. $23.99 ages 3 and up

 


"First we looked for sea creatures ... 

and I found one! 

Then we started construction. 
We built for hours. 

It was the best sandcastle I'd ever seen!"

I have such love for these stories about a grandfather and grandson as they explore the natural world together. It's beach day weather for the two, and they are soon up and off on a new adventure. Their plans include tide-pooling and a giant sandcastle. 

"And have ice cream, 
and swim in the ocean,
and find pirate treasure.
"

It's a tall order, and they know they can do it. Armed with everything they might need, they are off! The perfect spot is found; the two are set. They begin with tide-pooling, then turn their attention to construction. One pail provides many hours for working together - and the most magnificent castle. It's time to turn attention to ice cream! 

Just before their swim, a call for help from a seal pup  trapped in fish netting results in a plan change. Their determination to return the seal to its family brings unexpected adventure. A raging storm requires their best sailing skills to manage the lashing winds and to find land - and the seal's family. What happiness for both families! All that is left for them to do is go for a swim, explore a shipwreck, and find pirate treasure! 

Home they go - with hopes to do the same thing again tomorrow!

The brilliant ink-and-watercolor illustrations hold attention start to finish. They are filled with fine details, scenes both realistic and fanciful, gentle humor, and the joys to be found in spending a seemingly endless day with a loved one. 

 This is the fourth book in a series worth having, following on from WILD, FREE and LOST.

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