School Library Journal Review

PreS-Gr 1-Featuring the same two brothers who appeared in Up, this series entry is another part-real/part-fantasy tale for emerging readers. On an ordinary, breezy day at the seashore, a wave deposits a small blue shovel on the sand and it turns out to be just the right size for the younger boy. As he puts the shovel to use, he uncovers a crab, several starfish, and a dog with a Frisbee while tunneling under the surface of the beach. Only 14 words are used to tell the story and several are repeated to reinforce sight-reading and bolster beginning readers' confidence. Digital illustrations bring energy to the story in sketches of the swirling wind, some soaring kites, and sailboats skimming by on the horizon. When the evening stars emerge, the two children leave the beach, the little boy hands the shovel to his brother and the dog, with the Frisbee in his mouth, looks expectantly at readers. VERDICT A whimsical tale that will be welcomed and enjoyed by youngsters with the desire to read.-Maryann H. Owen, Oak Creek Public Library WI © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.