Caterina and the Best Beach Day

PreS-Gr 2—Caterina and Leo set out for the beach on a bright and sunny day. Both of the rosy-cheeked brown birds hope to see a "wondrous" whale during their outing. Leo is certain that they will spot one, but super organized Caterina knows that "no one can plan to see a whale." Nevertheless, she will help her little brother look if she can find a moment among the myriad activities she has planned for her perfect beach day. She sets up camp, applies sunscreen, collects shells, and makes some crafts. Next, she organizes lunch, flies kites, builds a sand castle, and takes a swim. Finally, after she loses track of Leo and then finds him again, they search for a whale together. As in previous titles in the series, Caterina's day does not proceed exactly as she has envisioned. When the busy, bespectacled bird pauses to take a breath, she realizes that sometimes it is best to put aside her lists and schedules and enjoy the simple pleasures of a day in the sun. Kono's mixed-media collages pop with striking colors, images, patterns, and textures. Caterina floats in an aquamarine sea of watery bubbles and flies a kite fashioned out of a scrap of cheerful fabric. The imaginative illustrations mirror Caterina's own creative energy and optimism.