There's a Beach in My Bedroom

March 15, 2023
In this picture book from pop star Kevin Jonas and his wife, TV personality Danielle Jonas, a rainy day forces a child to find an alternate way to enjoy the beach. Family beach day is one of Bella's favorite things. She loves splashing in the waves, jumping from rock to rock, and building sand castles. Today, however, the weather isn't cooperating, but Bella isn't upset. "It will just have to stop raining. That's all." Disappointment sets in when her family tells her that beach day is off. Teary Bella rejects suggested indoor pastimes like board games, musical jam sessions, or reading stories together, and she retreats to her room. Dejected, Bella consoles herself with her stuffed bunny, Mr. Bonkers, until her parents and sister, Emma, knock on her door with a surprise: "BEDROOM BEACH DAY!" With just a few household items--a big lamp for the sun, a fan for the ocean breeze, a blue blanket for water, and pillows for rocks--and a large dose of imagination, Bella's bedroom is transformed. A flexible attitude from all helps Bella--and readers--realize that things may not always go as planned...but sometimes they can be even better than we expected. Whimsical, cartoonish drawings and a dialogue-driven narrative turn a setback into an uplifting family experience. Bella and her family are light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An upbeat tale with a much-needed message: Imagination and positivity can save the day. (Picture book. 4-6)

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