Fun in the Sun

April 6, 2015
In a buoyant dog tale from a master of the genre, a bulbous, scrunchy-faced, ugly-cute dog heads to the shore toting all the essentials for a day at the beach. “I hope I didn’t forget anything,” he muses, as a he boards a bus while wearing a hat equipped with an umbrella, toting a picnic basket, and pulling along his pet goldfish in a bowl on wheels. Catrow’s (Dream Dog) sprawling, sun-splashed watercolors comically embellish the canine’s deadpan narrative: “Here’s a good one,” he says, finding a spot in the sand, which he discovers is actually a sunbather’s prodigious belly (“I’ll keep looking,” the dog adds). The fun continues full tilt when an octopus slides into the goldfish’s bowl (“Fish has made a friend”), and the animals join a handful of beachgoers who are flying an array of hats and toys like kites. A final illustration reveals exactly what the dog—who is now as pink as the sunset on the bus ride home—forgot to bring to the beach, closing out the book with one last giggle. Ages 3–6.

April 1, 2015

PreS-K-On a sunny morning, a pudgy rabbit packs up to go to the beach. He boards the bus with his pet goldfish, taking an overstuffed picnic basket and his beach umbrella. The quirky cast of characters on the bus, including a man in a silly hat and a tall, frisbee-throwing dog, is also headed for a day of fun in the sun. When they arrive, the sand is swarming with beach-goers, but the bunny manages to find a good spot. He enjoys a sand-filled lunch ("crunchy and good") and takes a dip in the sea, riding the waves with his goldfish. In the water, Fish befriends an affable octopus, who joins the goldfish in his little glass bowl. The rabbit and his friends fly kites, having "fun way up in the big blue sky." Finally, when the sun sets in a blaze of violet and gold, the beach-goers head for home. The straightforward text is augmented by Cartrow's uproarious watercolor and pencil illustrations. The exaggerated, somewhat startling facial expressions of the rabbit and his fellow sun worshipers, along with comical background details, enhance the easy-to-read story. VERDICT This madcap summer adventure will guarantee a fun-filled storytime.-Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston, MA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2015
A self-sufficient pup takes his beloved pet to the beach. High jinks ensue. Outfitted in its best purple bathing suit, a rather zaftig dog determines that today is perfect for a trip to the seashore. Its pet goldfish comes along, thanks to a wheeled fishbowl, and the two join a bus full of crazily caricatured humans (and at least one more dog). Once they've arrived, it's time for lots of sun and swimming. Everyone has a magnificent, madcap time, though the dog's hot-pink skin answers the final thought: "I hope I didn't forget anything." Catrow's trademark tendency toward contained chaos is put on fine display as the combination of wind, waves, and the occasional sentient octopus yields a fantastic day for all involved. The art's colorful inventiveness gives the entire enterprise a wild devil-may-care feel, and the cast of characters rewards multiple readings, as they enjoy separate adventures in the background. The simple language makes this not only a fine read-aloud, but a great early reader for those kids who need some comedy with their basic vocabulary words. So enjoyable the real thing may pale in comparison. (Picture book. 3-7)