Changing Tides

Reviews / Votes

A blended biracial family comes together for a beach day. The seaside is young Lula's "favorite place," and she's excited to be going with her dad. "But this trip will be different." Simone and her son, Theo, will be joining them. "Dad says they're part of the family now." Lula struggles to adapt to having an older brother, but her outlook gradually improves. Simone suggests the kids build a sandcastle, and Lula happily takes the lead while Theo watches until the surf threatens her masterpiece. When Theo comes up with a creative solution, Lula warms up to him, even allowing him to comfort her when rain cuts their day short. Moscardo's text is gentle and soothing. Her detailed illustrations, primarily in shades of brown, blue, and yellow, make the beach scenes come alive, and she does a particularly good job of depicting the movement of the waves. She uses a mix of double-page spreads and singles, some of which incorporate different-sized panels to enhance visual interest. Wordless panels show Theo's work to save the sandcastle and the final product, emphasizing the children's cooperation and growing closeness. While young readers who are part of newly blended families may be especially able to relate to the challenges of incorporating stepsiblings into the fold and find the happy ending reassuring, this story will likely resonate with many children who are preparing for new experiences with new people.--Horn Book

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. Julia Moscardo'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