A Beach Tail

Illustrated by Floyd Cooper
How will Gregory find his way back to Dad? Swish-swoosh . . . Gregory draws a lion in the sand. "Don't go in the water, and don't leave Sandy," warns Dad. But the sandy lion grows a tail that gets longer and longer—and soon Gregory is lost on the beach. This wonderful read-aloud book brings to life a summer experience that is all too familiar for young children. Karen Williams's rhythmic text has been paired with Floyd Cooper's brilliant illustrations, revealing the trip down the beach entirely from a child's point of view. A gentle father-son bond is shown in both text and art, reassuring young readers even as they share in Greg's moment of worry at finding himself lost and alone.
Karen Lynn Williams is the author of over a dozen books for children, including the beloved titles Galimoto and recent award-winners such as Four Feet, Two Sandals and Circles of Hope. Her books often feature children in developing countries, and she has lived and worked in both Africa and Haiti. Ms. Williams lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. View titles by Karen Lynn Williams
Floyd Cooper (1956–2021) illustrated over 110 books for children, including Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, for which he was awarded a Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, and a Sibert Honor. He was also the recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award for The Blacker the Berry; three Coretta Scott King Honors for I Have Heard of a Land, Meet Danitra Brown, and Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea; 10 ALA Notables; and an NAACP Image Award, among other honors. Visit floydcooper.com. View titles by Floyd Cooper
★ "Scoop up this tale for its strength as a unique beach story and for its warm portrayal of an African-American son and father enjoying the outdoors." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★"A charming tale of creativity and discovery." — School Library Journal, starred review

"A lovely collaboration suited for every collection." — Booklist

About

How will Gregory find his way back to Dad? Swish-swoosh . . . Gregory draws a lion in the sand. "Don't go in the water, and don't leave Sandy," warns Dad. But the sandy lion grows a tail that gets longer and longer—and soon Gregory is lost on the beach. This wonderful read-aloud book brings to life a summer experience that is all too familiar for young children. Karen Williams's rhythmic text has been paired with Floyd Cooper's brilliant illustrations, revealing the trip down the beach entirely from a child's point of view. A gentle father-son bond is shown in both text and art, reassuring young readers even as they share in Greg's moment of worry at finding himself lost and alone.

Author

Karen Lynn Williams is the author of over a dozen books for children, including the beloved titles Galimoto and recent award-winners such as Four Feet, Two Sandals and Circles of Hope. Her books often feature children in developing countries, and she has lived and worked in both Africa and Haiti. Ms. Williams lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. View titles by Karen Lynn Williams
Floyd Cooper (1956–2021) illustrated over 110 books for children, including Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, for which he was awarded a Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, and a Sibert Honor. He was also the recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award for The Blacker the Berry; three Coretta Scott King Honors for I Have Heard of a Land, Meet Danitra Brown, and Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea; 10 ALA Notables; and an NAACP Image Award, among other honors. Visit floydcooper.com. View titles by Floyd Cooper

Praise

★ "Scoop up this tale for its strength as a unique beach story and for its warm portrayal of an African-American son and father enjoying the outdoors." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★"A charming tale of creativity and discovery." — School Library Journal, starred review

"A lovely collaboration suited for every collection." — Booklist

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