Doesn’t a day or two at the beach sound pretty darn great? When I go to the beach, I enjoy sitting on a deck chair and watching the waves. The last time I went I was surprised by the number of people kiteboarding. They were amazing to watch, but I can tell you with complete certainty that I have zero interest in trying it. I like my feet firmly planted in the sand, thank you very much.
Going to the beach isn’t as easy as it used to be due to the pandemic, but I think you can simulate a beachlike atmosphere at home so that you can celebrate National Beach Day (which is today, by the way). The reading recommendations are very kid-oriented this time around, which means you can share some fun titles with your little ones and bring a bit of joy to your inner child, too. You’ll also notice that the books I’ve chosen have a decidedly animal theme; that’s because sea creatures are cool, and who doesn’t want to read about a smug seagull or a magnificent squid? On a personal note, I am fascinated by crabs, especially the tiny ones that appear on the beach. Yet I am completely freaked out by spiders, and let’s face it, spiders and crabs have lots of legs. Multiple legs are creepy. But crab legs are OK. Go figure.
Spread a beach blanket on the lawn, fill a pail with some dirt and pretend that the sprinklers are gentle ocean waves rolling across the grass. And have fun learning about hermit crabs — they’re beachy keen!
• “Bathtime Buddies: 20 Crocheted Animals from the Sea” by Megan Kreiner.
Can a bathtub turn into the ocean? If you have crocheted bath-time sea creatures, the answer is yes! Fill the mini-ocean with jellyfish, lobsters, narwhals — even a mermaid or two — and let your bathing beauties splash with a bounty of sea life!
