Grumpy Boy goes to beach with his family, ends up loving it

[Sarah]

Trying to find this book for a friend! She would have been a little kid in the 90s so it's likely from then.

A super grumpy kid has to go to the beach with his family. It’s a young boy, an older sister, and a mom and dad. He complains about literally everything. He’s upset because he can’t bring his pets, certain toys, etc. the family stops and get lunch and the kid complains about that. He’s just an unhappy dude. Finally the family makes it to the beach and the boy just has the time of his life.

The pictures in this book were so amazing. I remember certain details like a couple smooching in the back of the outside restaurant the family was sitting at.

THANK YOU!

[Rainbowheart]

Ben at the Beach?

[Kris]

Sarah, is this a short picture book or children's chapter book?

Can you tell us more about the illustrations - e.g., simple or detailed, realistic or cartoon-like, muted colors or bold graphics? Do they remind you of a similar illustrator or picture book author?

[Kris]

Amazon's description of Ben at the Beach by Maryann Macdonald - Rainbowheart's suggestion:

"The day gets off to a rocky start when Grandma takes Ben and Charlotte to the beach. Ben discovers that he isn't allowed to use his new fishing pole on the pier, and his sister refuses to go into the "bad water," where she is convinced monsters live. To distract her, Ben suggests they build a sand castle, and holds the toddler's hand as they wade into the water to fill her bucket. The siblings' creation wins them first prize in the sand-castle contest. They receive an inflatable boat, which Grandma rows as Ben fishes with his pole and Charlotte watches out for monsters. ... heartwarming portrait of a caring older brother."