From the Bookshelf of University of Cambridge, Faculty of Education, Primary PGCE 2019-20 …

[close] ‘At the Beach: Postcards from Crabby Spit’ by Roland Harvey is a stunning book that is suitable for a child of any age. Working on so many levels, the book tells the story of a family’s camping trip in Australia. Comprising of 14 postcards sent from the three different children to their Grandma each day, the story is a humorous and relatable tale. There are lots of different daily adventures that will encourage rich collaborative learning about holidays, the environment (with a few clear references to pollution), the beach and long journeys. Each page has been laid out with a postcard in the corner with the most interesting, detailed illustrations that anyone would love to pour over. Furthering this, the inside cover is illustrated with an amazing map and ‘packing list’ that lend themselves to excellent discussions and learning opportunities. The book can be used from an alternative introduction to the format of postcard/letter writing, to a source of material for a holiday destination advertising leaflet, to a stimuli for talk and exploration in the early years. I highly recommend this book as it is sure to capture any child’s imaginations and excite them with it’s bountiful links to English as well as many other subject areas.