Grains of Sand by Sibylle DelacroixMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Imagine coming home from a beach vacation as a young child, filled with longing for sun-packed days and endless sandcastles. Away from the water, our wistful protagonists—an adorable brother and sister—are clearly disappointed that the trip has ended and are craving more of their sandy playtime. With minds still reeling with gold and blue beach hues, our little duo decides to plant their leftover sand. Watering these unique sand seeds with their imagination, the children watch and skip along as umbrellas, pinwheels, and ice cream grow. Eventually calm and sated, they head to bed.
Although ideas like waves of laughter painted with ocean surf might be more abstract to younger children, Grains of Sand is a beautifully written and illustrated book that evokes nostalgia in all ages—including myself. The sweet, simple concept of bringing home the beach and overcoming forlornness is perfect for pre-k to second graders. The color-penciled illustrations, using a base of three colors, tightly wraps the picturebook in the serenity of memories meant to console our protagonists and spark new inspiration. I can relate when I come from home the beach. Like these children, I should take my ocean-induced inner peace and despondency and create.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Owlkids Books for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. Grains of Sand will be published on April 15, 2018.
Review by Christine F./The Uncorked Librarian
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