Good Night, Good Beach by Joy Cowley illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper

Joy Cowley is a master of rhyme and pace. The text is minimal but it has such a pleasing cadence. This is made all the richer by the way Hilary Jean Tapper adds a layer that will take readers into scenes way beyond the simple words. You could run a master class on pace and page turns using this book with older students or even better with trainee teachers.

Creaky old bed with rumpled sheet,

sunburned skin and sandy feet.

Moon at the window,

sea by the door,

waves hush-hushing on the shore.

Under the pillow, one white shell,

and sea-washed glass with salty smell.

Plump up the pillow,

put out the light.

Good day,

good sea, good sand,

good night.

You might find this book listed with a different title if you live in New Zealand - At the Bach. 

I you have a library or book collection in your preschool this book is a must add addition. It would also make a sweet gift for a young child. 

Here is an interesting interview with Joy about her life. Her picture books include titles such as The Duck in the Gun (1969) and The Cheese Trap (1995). She has been actively involved in teaching early reading skills and helping those with reading difficulties. She has written approximately 500 books for children learning to read. You are sure to have seen her books for the Story Box Reading Program. These may be less familiar but I especially like her World Classics series: