Description:
Two veteran Jersey-shore lifeguards recount a "day in the life" at their jobs in this playfully illustrated, surprisingly information-packed picture book. A day at the beach begins at 6 a.m., and kids who are reading along should immediately know that they're in for some fun as various industrial vehicles roll out to clean beach litter and prep the sand. Each big rig (from the Surf Rake to the Sanitizer to the Sifter) gets described in detail in a band that runs across the bottom of the spread, setting up a format that continues throughout the book. The action plays out with engaging text on the top part of the page ("10-95! Form a search party! Calm the frantic parent!") as detailed drawings and fun facts roll out underneath. Kids will have a hard time dividing their attention between the action-packed scenes on top (featuring every beach scene and activity imaginable) and the illustrated beach trivia down below (ranging from wildlife and equipment to lingo and ancient lifeguard lore). With over 65 years of beach-patrolling between them, John O'Brien and Max Bilkins convey the obvious love that they have for both the beach and their vocation. Kids and grownups will likely learn a few things, and the dense format and heavily populated illustrations should encourage many repeat reads. (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes
| 
