FICTION

Fun in the Sun

illus. by David Catrow. 32p. Holiday House. 2015. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9780823429455. LC 2013019679.
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PreS-K— On a sunny morning, a pudgy dog 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 pup 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 dog 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 dog 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
A human-like dog packs everything he'll need for a trip to the beach (including his goldfish in its bowl) and boards a bus labeled "BEACH." The swimmingly funny story is filled with sight gags, unexpected twists, and only a few sentences: "Fun in the sun, fun in the sand, sand in the suit." Energetic pencil and watercolor pictures are set against luscious backgrounds.

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