A Hop By The Sea is a children's picture book by Laurel Lorenzini. With some eye-catching drawings from Amanda Letcher, the book follows two friends who decide to go to the beach and have a nice little picnic to enjoy the bright sunny day. However, just when they had spread their blanket by the shore, their friend Lenore came seeking their help because she had stubbed her toe. After a while, they find themselves treating a hare that had been run over by a mare. One by one, other animals who were suffering after similar small mishaps come to their makeshift clinic and receive their treatment. The friends soon realize that although their day hadn't exactly turned out the way they had planned, they helped others and, in the process, made a lot of new friends.

Narrated in verse, A Hop By The Sea spreads the message of compassion and empathy in a way that children can connect with due to the wordplay in its verses. This short picture book by Laurel Lorenzini with some colorful illustrations by Amanda Letcher is bound to be a hit with kids. Sometimes, things don't go your way. The best you can do is adapt to your situation in whatever way you can. That's exactly what the friends did in this tale. By helping others and treating their injuries, they showed empathy and compassion and made productive use of their time. An inspirational picture book parents will love reading to their children.

A Hop By the Sea is an enjoyable children’s picture book by Laurel Lorenzini with illustrations by Amanda Letcher. This story shares a beautiful message about kindness and the joy of selflessly helping others. Just as two friends are settling in for a quiet picnic by the sea, their tranquility is disturbed as one animal after another comes to them in need of assistance. The two friends happily help all of the injured animals in any way that they can with encouraging words, good food, and medical attention. Vibrant and playful illustrations enhance the upbeat tone of this lively story. Young readers will be captivated by the lovable animals and their various injuries while learning about compassion and kindness.

Laurel Lorenzini’s A Hop By the Sea is an entertaining read that children will want to hear again and again. This rhyming tale filled with cheerful illustrations and charming animals will keep young readers engaged and interested in what is going to happen next. Many different kinds of animals from frogs to rabbits are injured by the seaside, but the care and concern they all receive soften the sting of each critter’s ailment. This is likely to spark discussions with young children about how they too can be strong in challenging situations as well as how they may be able to assist others who are hurt or having a difficult time. The book provides wonderful examples of how we can all help others by offering kind words, and comfort, and by sharing our food and drink. A highly recommended and delightful read.

It all started as a quiet day, with just two animals having a picnic on the beach. Quickly, the two turned into four, and then more. This rhyming children’s book is an enjoyable read. Young readers may need help with some of the words, but mostly they will enjoy the pictures and storyline. As often happens, quiet moments became noisy as one or the other of the visitors has an accident. Not only does A Hop By The Sea by Laurel Lorenzini describe minor accidents, but other creatures also keep showing up to join the fun. The two shared their food with the others, which was a wonderful thing to do. Because surprises are common, we must remember to be prepared and share what we have. When pulling together, all can enjoy the day no matter what it holds.

A Hop By The Sea is sweetly illustrated by Amanda Letcher. In writing this story, Laurel Lorenzini includes many diverse types of animals, all joining together to enjoy a day at the beach. As you read this book with or to your children, see how many of the animals they can identify. Then help them learn how to recognize and read facial expressions. Ask questions like, “What type of face would you have if you stumped your toe?” Teach the importance of sharing, even when you did not expect to have to share. Also, teach your children how important it is to be accepting and caring. The animals in this book are quite different, but they do not spend time criticizing their differences. They are too busy enjoying how alike they are.

A picnic by the sea sounds delightful, doesn’t it? Especially when you go with a best friend, and all is quiet and peaceful. That was the case in A Hop By The Sea by Laurel Lorenzini until Lenora the toad stubs her toe, and a hare is run over by a mare. And don’t forget Stew the kangaroo who was struggling with surfing for the very first time. Accidents are bound to happen, and unexpected excitement can interfere with even the best-laid plans. So why not help those in need, offer medical care if you can, and invite new friends to join you on what was supposed to be a simple picnic (a hop) by the sea with your very best friend?

Laurel Lorenzini‘s picture book, A Hop By The Sea, is full of compassion and caring, and lots of playing with words. I particularly loved the rhyming verse. It’s so calming, lyrical, and fun, just like this sweet story suggests. The author loves the English language, that much is obvious. There are a few big words for young readers to learn, like “menagerie.” Coupled with simple rhyming words, like “sea,” and “me,” phonetics shouldn’t be too difficult. The author also makes use of sound words, onomatopoeia, like “aargh,” and “roar,” to add drama. I was particularly intrigued by the word ‘hop’ in the title. It can mean a short trip and the author uses ‘hop’ to refer to a short trip by the sea, a picnic with a friend which becomes a picnic with lots of friends. Young readers will improve their reading skills with this book, as well as have some fun and learn the importance of helping and showing compassion to others, even if it interferes with your plans for a fun day. I loved the illustrations!