Happy Friday, everyone! It’s time for Flashback Friday yet again, and as we prepare for the 4th of July weekend, I want to share a wonderful picture book that captures the joy of summer with you all. Down Under the Pier by Nell Cross Beckerman is the perfect pick for the beach this weekend.
Title: Down Under the Pier
Author: Nell Cross Beckerman
Illustrator: Rachell Sumpter
Publisher: Cameron Kids
Published: April 7, 2020
Format: Picture Book
Originally published last year (before COVID-19 derailed everyone’s summer plans), Down Under the Pier follows a young group of friends who visit the shore during low tide after they run out of coins for games. They find the same magic and joy under the pier that they found in the Ferris wheel, carousel, and cotton candy on the pier. The children chase waves, find treasures, and discover all kinds of sea creatures, making long-lasting summer memories together.
The lyrical text combines with the stunning illustrations by Rachell Sumpter perfectly, creating a dreamy atmosphere sure to strike a nostalgic chord amongst parents who spent summers on the shore. The pinks and oranges instantly took me back to the sunsets of own childhood beach trips. Though my pier didn’t have games, rides, or arcades, I always found the fun reflected on the pages in discovering every inch of the shoreline.
Down Under the Pier is a great read for the summer, but it can stand on its own year round. The back matter contains a wonderful author’s note and more information about the sea creatures the children encounter on the shore, making it a great resource for the classroom.
Perfect for all the nature loving kids out there, Down Under the Pier is available for purchase wherever books are sold, including Bookshop and Amazon. (Please note: Some links provided are affiliate links. Affiliate links allow me to receive a small commission for recommendations at no cost to you. This commission is used to maintain this site and to continue bringing content to you. I always appreciate your support!)
Thank you so much to Cameron Kids for providing me with a review copy of Down Under the Pier. It may have flown under my new mom radar last year, but I’m so glad to have this wonderful book to share with my little one this summer.
About The Author:
Nell Cross Beckerman writes picture books inspired by the magic of nature and the human spirit. She has produced, written, and directed shows for VH1, MTV, MSNBC, and the Discovery Channel. She lives in Venice Beach with her husband and two daughters.
About The Illustrator:
Rachell Sumpter is a painter and illustrator whose work has been featured in the New York Times, McSweeney’s, the Boston Globe, and O Magazine. She also is an art professor, shows her work in galleries, teaches workshops at museums, and enjoys reading, observing nature, and spending time with her partner and their two children. She lives in Seattle. This is her first children’s book.
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