Dive into the DEEP BLUE

Get your swimsuits, towels, mud pails and head to the beach... .but before that, get your hands on these beach reads.

May 19, 2017 03:27 pm | Updated 03:27 pm IST

Think summer, and what comes to your mind? The scorching heat beating down on you? Ice creams melting all over your fingers as you race against time to devour the falling, sticky drops of sugary sweetness? Water hosing you down and cooling you instantly? A trip to the beach where you can indulge in all of this simultaneously? For those of you who haven’t yet visited the beach, we bring you some books that will instantly conjure up delicious visions of the seaside and its many inhabitants.

Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach by Melanie Watt

Much like us, Scaredy Squirrel is comfortable only in his... you guessed it — comfort zone — up the nut tree with his emergency kit in place. So paranoid is he about leaving the tree that not even a vacation and the sun beating down on him can get him to go to the beach. For Scaredy, the vast stretch of sand and water is a frightening place for a squirrel.

It abounds in hazards such as sea monsters, pirates, falling coconuts and worse, sea gulls! He loves his canopied haven so much that he builds himself his own beach getaway under the tree, with artificial beach scenery, inflatable pool, plastic flamingo… the complete works. Nonetheless, the summons of the seaside are strong. How long will Scaredy be able to ignore the insistent beckoning of the waves? Will he cave in and take a leap.. er, dive of faith?

The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor by Joanna Cole

What’s you idea of a field trip? Definitely not the same as Ms. Frizzle’s class.Everyone’s favourite teacher, Ms. Frizzle, s back with something exciting for her class. The kids and the teacher embark on a marvellous marine adventure, where they swim with the fishes and observe life underwater, the plants and animals. They explore the deep ocean floor, see the formation of an island coral reef, and witness life in a tidal pool! The Friz, as she is fondly referred to, teacher them about the flora and fauna, the interdependence of marine life and how its survival depends on the actions of humans on land. What’s more, the bus transforms into a submarine to adapt to life under the sea, a glass bottom boat and a surfboard as well. Isn’t that a fun way to learn?

Ladybug Girl at the Beach by Jacky Davis

One in a series on the Ladybug girl who is Lulu, the preschooler has never gone to the beach. But, she is sure she is going to love it; quite the reverse to fearing the unknown. Then, she sees the beach in all its glory — the never-ending stretch of sand, sea and sky and she realises just how big and loud the ocean is, and is frightened. She firmly decided that she and Bingo, her canine pal will build sandcastles fly kites, gorge themselves silly on ice creams and do everything except setting foot into the waves for a swim.

Then, Lulu puts on her ladybug costume and becomes Ladybug Girl — a superhero who uses her imagination to have adventures right where she is. Now, nothing can stop her, not even her inhibitions, and before she knows it, she is having a perfect time in the ocean. This is the first time she confronts something scary and bravely faces her fears.

Sea of Monsters - Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Book 2 by Rick Riordan

After a group of giant cannibals, Laistrygonians, break into the dodgeball game at Percy’s alternative Manhattan school, and his friend Annabeth comes to the rescue, the duo take Tyson, the homeless scholarship student, with them to Camp Half-Blood, where trouble is brewing. Soon, Percy realises that Tyson is a Cyclops — this mean they are half-brothers and possibly enemies — both, sons of Poseidon and learns that someone poisoned the sacred Thalia’s tree, which protects the “magic borders” of the demigod camp. Amidst harrowing new challenges, Percy and Annabeth set off across the Sea of Monsters on a quest to find the Golden Fleece, which will heal Thalia’s tree. Percy’s relationship with Tyson and their battle against the Cyclops guarding the Fleece is a compelling read and throws light on questions about shame, family and loyalty.

Wish For a Fish: All About Sea Creatures by Bonnie Worth

Imagine having to sit in class and learn about sea creatures from a textbook. Now, imagine do it with your favourite Cat in the Hat in tow. The Cat in the Hat, Sally, and Dick take an undersea voyage on the S.S. Undersea Glubber! From travelling down from the Sunny Zone to the Dark Zone, to the Trench at the bottom, Captain Cat and his friends learn about the different life forms found at each level of the ocean. Along the way, they meet sharks, jellyfish, dolphins, manatees, whales, and sea cucumbers, and more.

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