PB Review: Swashby and the Sea

Swashby and the Sea

Captain Swashby and the sea have always been best friends. When Swashby retires, it is in a small house on a small beach by the sea. It is quiet and serene just as Swashby likes it. When a young girl and her granny move in next door, Swashby’s world is disrupted, and he is not one bit happy. He writes messages in the sand to discourage the girl and her granny, “which the sea fiddled with, just a bit.” Instead, the new message left by the sea encourages the young girl to sing, to make a wish, and to play. That disgruntles Swashby even more. But when the young girl finds herself in trouble, Swashby is the first one there to save her. There is no way for him to stop the thank yous, the hugs, and the celebration by the sea given by the young girl and her granny. With a little fiddling by the sea, Swashby becomes a true friend and neighbor. Beth Ferry has written a charming story of intergenerational friendship with delightful seaside illustrations by Caldecott Honor winner, Juana Martinez-Neal.

STICK AND STONE

Stick and Stone written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld is a must-have book. When I saw it in our local library, I immediately checked it out.

Beth Ferry tells a beautiful story of friendship found, lost, and found again with a prickly bully thrown in for extra measure. The text (152 words) is cleverly written in rhyme and Tom Lichtenheld’s illustrations are both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. You’ll love Stick and Stone as they wade through good times and bad in their efforts to maintain their friendship. It’s an ideal book for all ages with a timeless message. You’ll find this book to be “a perfect ten to the end.”