Beach Toys vs. School Supplies

The age-old transition from summer into the school year takes an anthropomorphized turn in Ciccotello’s heavily punny tribute to collaboration and work-life balance. When Ruler’s shadow interrupts Shovel’s sunbathing at the beach, the Big Showdown between rivals—representing learning and fun—is on. Wordplay-centered trash talk takes center stage in the lengthy text as the two teams face off, with decidedly different approaches, in a sandcastle-building contest: “ ‘We’re totally going to deflate them,’ said Beach Ball. ‘Don’t hold your breath,’ said Swim Mask. ‘Maybe they have some skills.’ ” Bright art in pencil and crayon textures details the competition as the two witty crews join forces for what becomes a (slightly begrudging) celebration of individual style, and a fun enterprise all around. Ages 3–6. (June)