Splash, Anna Hibiscus!

In her second picture book, Anna Hibiscus takes a trip to the beach. Her family members are too busy--reading, talking, digging in the sand--to go in the water, so she goes in by herself. Her ensuing joy lures everyone else in. Tantalizing illustrations capture Anna's emotions, the heat of the sun, and the beautiful colors of a boisterous seaside adventure.

In her second picture book, Anna Hibiscus returns for a day trip to the beach. Endpapers open with a full seaside spread of a clear blue day in “Africa. Amazing Africa.” The title page follows with a bright red boat crowded with the whole lively family—Anna Hibiscus waving from the center of the action. At the beach, “the sun is hot. The sand is hot. The laughing waves are splashing.” Anna asks every member of her family to join her in those waves, but everyone is too busy—reading, talking, braiding hair, playing soccer, digging in the sand, napping, or texting. Finally, there is no one left to ask, and a double-page spread shows a small Anna alone on a huge expanse of sand and sea. But Anna is nothing if not her own girl, so she joins those laughing waves by herself. The joy that ensues ultimately lures her entire family into the sea to splash, jump, and laugh along with her. Tantalizing illustrations capture Anna’s emotions, the white heat of the sun, and the beautiful colors of a boisterous seaside adventure. The back endpapers add the warm pink glow of sunset to the scene on the opening endpapers, bringing closure to a glorious day. julie roach