Changing Tides

By Author / Illustrator

Julia Moscardo

Genre

Family & Home

Age range(s)

Publisher

Little Tiger Press

ISBN

9781838915377

Format

Hardback

Published

04-07-2024

Synopsis

When Theo and his mother, Simone, become part of Lula's family, she isn't sure what to expect. As they all spend a holiday at the seaside, the new siblings learn to work together to create a beautiful sandcastle. But once disaster strikes, will their relationship weather the storm?

This beautiful picture book by Julia Moscardo explores the challenges and joys of forming a new family and gaining a sibling. With evocative illustrations and beautiful text, this book will immerse your little reader in the world of the seaside and in the ups and downs of forming new friendships.

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Reviews

Sue

Lula is excited that she and her dad are going on a trip to the seaside - her favourite place. But this visit will be different because Theo and his mum, Simone, are coming with them as they are now part of her family- but Lula is not sure how she feels about this…

Changing Tides is a delightful picture book, perfect for initiating discussions around newly-formed families and the worries and joys of finding yourself with new siblings. The story is greatly enhanced by the gorgeous illustrations which capture Lula's changing emotions, offering so many places to pause and explore and validate her feelings as well as those of Theo.

The initial picture shows her peeking at Theo apprehensively over the kitchen table whilst the last shows them hand in hand, happily smiling. Together, they build a sandcastle, bigger and more beautiful than those Lula normally makes, overcoming problems and sharing the excitement - and the disappointment as the sea reclaims their creation.

It is an absolute joy! But the story is also a celebration of a day at the beach and all the simple pleasures this holds - the joy of splashing through the waves, playing in the sand, the inevitable rain! It shows a real sense of family togetherness and enjoyment in the little things in life which create the biggest memories.

Wonderful for home or school, Changing Tides (the perfect title!) is sure to quickly become a firm favourite!

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Joanne

Changing Tides is a lovely book about family and sibling relationships in a blended family. Follow Lula as she goes on her first holiday with her new big brother Theo and his mum, Simone, and experiences the changes this brings. Lula soon learns to share with her new big brother and before long the two are building a beautiful sandcastle together and making plans for their future adventures.

A beautifully illustrated book, ideal for new step families to read together.

Picture book / Reviewed by Joanne Thomas