AT THE BEACH

This cheery visual checklist provides a sunny introduction to the beach.

Easily identifiable pictures feature seamless die-cut peepholes and thick lines. They depict both the materials necessary to explore the sun-kissed sand and surf (swimsuit, pail) and the ocean's inhabitants (crab, fish.) One-word labels move readers forward. “Shell / fish / swimsuit / crab / sun / starfish.” Sparingly sparkly backgrounds make for an eye-catching experience without overwhelming. Each image dominates its page against a solid background. The large googly-eyed fish and crab bubble with enthusiasm. Die-cut holes work easily on either side of a page turn, providing appropriate peeps to and fro. The sun's grin stretches from cheek to cheek and also serves as the bright design on a swimsuit on the previous page, for instance. The peephole in the beach ball on the cover gives a sneak peek of the pail within. A starfish's shimmering body comprises the crab's thorax on the previous page.

Toss the toys in a beach bag and set off for this sandy shore.