Changing Tides

Lula, a preschooler, lives with her father. She loves trips to the seashore with him, but today is different. Theo, a boy who’s a little older, and his mother, Simone, will be going with them. When Lula complains, Dad responds that “they’re part of the family now.” Not sure that she wants a big brother, Lula is reluctant to accept Theo. While he helps load the car with beach toys, Lula points out that the toys are hers. They reach the shore and she runs straight for the water. Theo joins her. As they build a large sand castle together, Lula’s tension fades. When the waves wash their castle away, Theo promises to help her build a new one the next day. The concise narrative tells an outwardly simple, agreeable story with strong emotional undercurrents that young listeners will sense and understand. Júlia Moscardó’s art creates the seaside setting with graceful lines and subtle colors, while portraying the characters’ emotions (particularly Lula’s) with clarity and sensitivity as they more toward becoming a blended, biracial family together. --Booklist