MIRANDA’S BEACH DAY

Prolific author/illustrator Keller presents a lovely picture book that incorporates a tiny bit of science into a comforting theme of belonging. Miranda bathes in the water, sees a hermit crab, builds a castle for him, watches seagulls and becomes predictably upset when the ocean obliterates the castle. Her mother lovingly ties things up for the girl by assuring her of the inherent connections between crab and sea, castle and sand, birds and air, and, most importantly, the child and her mother. The reassuring and simple message provides a circular momentum to the book. The watercolor-and–printed-collage illustrations are an apt combination for showing the day Miranda and her mother share at the ocean. Breezy patterns and interesting color combinations add movement and depth to the pictures. The depiction of ocean waves is particularly interesting, foam and water layered for depth and texture. On the last page the author explains, with photographs, the collage techniques she used. Recommended for all collections. (Picture book. 2-5)