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Beachcombing is walking along the beach shoreline looking for different items from nature that have been washed up. The book goes into different types of shells, seagulls, crabs, coral, etc. I could see this being interesting for those who have access to beaches and want to learn to classify different items they may see on the beach. In a classroom, it would be interesting to bring different types of shells to try to classify. ( )

In my opinion, this is a good book for all readers looking to find information about the beach. On reason I like this book, is because of its point of view. The book is written form the second person, and makes all readers feel they have the ability to become a beachcomber if they desire. While introducing and explaining the different treasures found on the beach, the writer incorporates the reader by saying things like "you might see a..." or "When you see a ...". Another reason I like this book, is for the use of illustrations. When walking along the beach, and individual can find so many different things. If using this book, one can use the images to compare their findings and put a name to their treasure. For example, this book shows a variety of crabs, jelly fish, coral, birds, and over 27 different sea shells. I believe the overall message of this book is to inform readers about all the interesting things one may find when walking the beach. ( )

I liked this book. It tells about all of the things that can wash up on a beach. The author does more than say, "Kids, you can find seashells and fiddle crabs at the beach." He takes each item that can be found on the beach, seashells, crabs, jellyfish, coral, coconuts, etc. and devotes a section to each. In each section, he shows all of the different types of animals or plants that could be found in each category. The illustrations are soft water colored drawings. They are simple enough that children would probably enjoy trying to duplicate them. The back flap says that the author spends most of his time studying plants and animals which lends to his credibility. There is an Author's Note section and a More Books for Beachcombers and Naturalists section. Teaching ideas include science, beaches, habitats, and even categorization of plants and animals. I think that it will appeal to mostly upper elementary students. The size of the print and the length of the sentences may be off-putting to younger elementary students. ( )

The author and his wife went to 26 different beaches to research for this book. The information given in the book is based off of their findings and personal experience, though it is all factual. I loved that the pages look like journal pages and the bright colors really tie in with the "beach theme". Arnosky discusses different types of seashells, crabs, shark teeth, and so forth. This book is really inviting and would be a good book for class libraries for children to read during free time but it is not a book worth reading during a read aloud, in my opinion. I sure do want to go kick back and relax at the beach now though after reading this book! ( )