Good Night, Good Beach; Joy Cowley, illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper

‘Creaky old bed,
with rumpled sheet,
sunburned skin
and sandy feet…’

Anyone who has spent a smidgen of time at the beach will delight in Joy Cowley’s gentle ode to times on the sea and sand with family. It will evoke many a happy memory and longings as children and adults enjoy a special day together.

Good Night, Good Beach begins with a view from the expansive bedroom window through which five children can see the beach waiting for their arrival. A day of fun is had as golden sands are walked on, waves are splashed in and treasures from the ocean are gathered, all under the watchful eyes of local feathered friends who pay close attention to the visitors. With night falling it is is time for little ones to head to bed leaving the adults to play games and chat together.

The laze of a perfect summer’s day is encapsulated in a simple poem where the senses are awakened in a way that only the sea and sand can do. You can almost feel the sand between your toes, taste the salty sea, hear the waves breaking and smell the sun cream. Embrace each word and then fall into the timeless artwork where memories are created that will last a lifetime.

Like the gentle lull of the waves rolling onto the shore, Good Night, Good Beach will calm and soothe. Sun, sand and sea are the best recipe for a good night’s sleep but if you can’t make it to the beach today then reading this is a pretty good alternative.

Recommended for 2+.

With huge thanks to Walker for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.