Another glorious day in the life of Lucy and Tom (Lucy and Tom at the seaside - Shirley Hughes)

Member Name: Emmay99

Product:	Lucy and Tom at the seaside - Shirley Hughes
Date:	26/10/08 (42 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Simple story with brilliant illustrations.

Disadvantages: None

Once again Shirley Hughes beautifully writes and illustrates a story concerning a day in the life to two small children, Lucy and Tom.

The story begins on a hot day when Lucy and Tom and their parents decide to go to the seaside. There are lots of preparations to make and Lucy and Tom join in. After a train journey they arrive at the seaside, the first thing they do is run down to the sea and walk along the edge where the waves are breaking. Lucy and Tom play in the sea, they have a picnic and then as the tide comes in they make and decorate a sand castle. The children play in the rock pools and collect shells, stones and even a crab's claw. Lucy makes a face using seaweed and stones. Tom and Mum make a speedboat out of the sand. The children have a donkey ride and an ice cream just before its time to go home.

The story is simply about a day at the seaside but told with such attention to detail and realism that young children cannot fail to be fascinated. For example, on the train,
'Lucy wears her armbands in the train so as to be all ready to swim when they get there.'
Such observations on children's behaviour make the story true to life and humorous.

The detailed illustrations make the books a pleasure to read and for young children to look at whilst being read to and on their own. There are some fantastic pictures of the seaside and all the activities that people get up to, Kite-flying, ball games, people getting changed under towels and of course just playing in the sea.

This book is suitable to be read to young children or for young readers to read for themselves.

Our copy has been well used and enjoyed by two children.

Summary: This book is a timeless classic for young children.