A Day for Sandcastles, written by JonArno Lawson and illustrated by Qin Leng. Candlewick, Penguin Random House. 2022. $23.99 all ages

"It's a lovely summer day, 
perfect for spending at the 
beach. A busload of beachgoers
disembark and set up along the 
sand to enjoy the cool breezes 
and sun."

If you read Above the Shop (2021) by this same remarkable team, you will be feeling as giddy with delight as I was to see that they have collaborated once again. JonArno Lawson's story concept is masterfully presented in gentle watercolors by Qin Leng. Explore each spread, start to finish. Then, go back and do it again. And again. And again.

A bus pulls into a parking lot near the beach; the first to alight is a family of five. Three children lead the way in a jubilant dash for water and sand. While the children explore, the parents set up chairs, an umbrella, and all other paraphernalia needed for a sun-filled, adventurous day.  

The children's work begins in earnest. A first castle is built, and quickly destroyed by the incoming tide. Not to be deterred, the work begins again. Dad has a suggestion. The kids have their own ideas. Ever more intricate, the next setback is a lady's large sunhat that lands and crushes it. Where's the fun if you don't try again, only to be thwarted by water once more? 

Lunch is served, the demolished castle forgotten. It isn't long before the older one reminds his siblings there is work to be done. Their skills much improved by trial and error, they are soon back at it. A masterpiece is constructed and reconstructed over and over again, always in retreat from the incoming tide. 

No words are needed ... just observant eyes and time to talk about, and take note of every imaginative and lovely detail presented from dawn until dusk. Please don't miss it!