Billie and Bean at the Beach

April 17, 2023
Black pup Bean offers support to reluctant swimmer Billie, portrayed with light brown skin, in this enigmatic narrative about a child’s ups and downs during a day at the beach. Opening lines set the tone: while “Billie doesn’t want to be here” and rests in the shade, “Bean loves the beach!” Mom “thinks Billie should go for a swim too,” but a near-immediate jellyfish sting causes the child to wish she hadn’t tried. Luckily, Bean’s discovery of a sand-buried snorkel mask nudges Billie to try again, and the payoff—ineffable views of “an underwater garden full of shells and stones and all sorts of creatures”—give readers a wonderful Billie’s-eye view of the calm underwater surrounds. Infused with purples and peaches, Hansson’s luminous pencil and watercolor art aptly uses perspective, light, shadow, and the round-bodied protagonists’ positions to embrace the book’s quiet tone. Ages 6–8.

January 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 2-Billie is at the beach with her mom and her dog Bean, but she really doesn't want to be here. While Bean runs and splashes in the water, Billie just wants to sit in the shade. Mom encourages Billie to go for a swim, and she ventures into the water with the encouragement that Bean was brave enough to do it. But Billie is stung by a jellyfish, and "she wishes she hadn't tried." When Bean brings her a snorkel mask unearthed from the sand, Billie decides to give swimming one more try. Under the water, Billie discovers an exotic world of quiet and calm, and surfaces victorious in conquering her fear. This is a very realistic and relatable tale of childhood bravery. The text is succinct, detailing Billie's emotions in a straightforward manner. The illustrations enhance the emotional resonance, with Billie's body language excellently capturing her mental state, and Bean's exuberance relayed through her near-constant movement. The dark colors used for the ocean first register as frightening, but on Billie's second foray they depict the water as a mysterious respite from the noise and activity of the beach. The story models two supportive relationships for Billie: Bean, who inspires her, and her mom, who challenges and comforts her in equal measure. All of the bodies on the beach have gently rounded bellies and solid limbs, a refreshing portrayal of the human form within this particular setting. VERDICT Well-suited to be read aloud, and for a group or class discussion on resilience and bravery, this accessible tale of courage is recommended for general purchase.-Elizabeth Lovsin

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2023
A child ventures into the ocean with encouragement from her dog. Billie, a solidly built, brown-skinned little girl, spends a day at the beach with her brown-skinned mother and roly-poly dog, Bean. Billie, hair swept back from her face in a topknot, is content to lie under the shade of the umbrella while Bean jumps happily in the sand. But in the afternoon, Billie ventures, somewhat reluctantly, into the water, where she is stung by a jellyfish! Her mother tenderly bandages the red marks "even though they aren't bleeding." Not every memorable day is perfect, and the glimpse of Billie's furious tears will resonate with readers who have also experienced something painful. When Bean finds a snorkel and mask, Billie is brave enough to try the water again. Translated from Swedish, this is a charming depiction of a contained yet adventurous outing, infused with the reliable warmth and affection of a mother--and dog. From the dance of light under the beach umbrella to the purple light and splashes of color under the water to the simple figures and late-afternoon shadows on the sand, Hansson's art has an open, clear, inviting feel. The sparkling sea treasure Billie carries home isn't revealed but remains a pleasant, intriguing mystery, a reminder of a truly special day. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A pitch-perfect portrayal of a summer day. (Picture book. 3-6)

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February 15, 2023
Preschool-Grade 2 Billie's on a beach outing with her mom and her dog, Bean. Others are enjoying the ocean--even Bean--but Billie would rather lie on the sand. Mom wants Billie to go in the water, and though she's hesitant, Billie thinks about how Bean did it and ventures in. But she's stung by a jellyfish ("something really hurts!!") and, upset, returns to staying on shore. That is, until Bean brings her goggles and snorkel, prompting Billie to attempt another dip. This time, she has fun, finding fishes, other creatures, plants, and underwater mysteries--including a memento to take home. First published in Sweden, this translated title's appealing pencil-and-watercolor illustrations nicely contrast bright beach scenes with deep-hued undersea ones, depicting the events and characters with a mix of playful and evocative elements. While the danger of Billie's jellyfish sting is downplayed (they can be quite serious) and what's glowing from her closed palm at the story's end is unclear, the emphasis on trying again after an unpleasant first experience is a useful one. For larger collections.

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