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Backpack Explorer: Beach Walk
Pack up sandcastle-building supplies, sunscreen, and this take-along activity book! In the second book of the Backpack Explorer series from the Editors of Storey Publishing, little beachcombers are encouraged to discover all the wonders of saltwater oceans and freshwater lakes, from identifying shorebirds to learning about the life found in tide pools to listening to the waves and watching the tides.
Backpack Beach Walk is packed with prompts and activities, including 12 interactive field guides (for shells, jellyfish, and more), sensory scavenger hunts, science experiments such as a Stick Sundial, games, and simple projects including food chain match-ups and driftwood fish. Equipped with a real magnifying glass, stickers, and a beach log for recording shoreline sightings and adventures, this book is the perfect takealong for any beach adventure.
Also available in this Backpack Bird Watch and Backpack On the Nature Trail.
Backpack Beach Walk is packed with prompts and activities, including 12 interactive field guides (for shells, jellyfish, and more), sensory scavenger hunts, science experiments such as a Stick Sundial, games, and simple projects including food chain match-ups and driftwood fish. Equipped with a real magnifying glass, stickers, and a beach log for recording shoreline sightings and adventures, this book is the perfect takealong for any beach adventure.
Also available in this Backpack Bird Watch and Backpack On the Nature Trail.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published April 9, 2019
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 30, 2018
A book that present what you can find on a beach, pages to annotate what you found, activities/games to do while at the beach, and other stuff related once again to the... beach! Very simple, maybe too much, you can easily come up with half the contents of the book just by yourself if you think for 5 minutes. But it's still a decent kid «journal» to prepare and accompanied (so not sure about that choice of word...) him for first time at the beach.
January 13, 2019
This is one of those books that I just was looking at to get it off my ARC list. As a result I didn't have much expecatations for it while getting this book was more or less a downer.
Understandably some of the ARCs that readers get are books that are works in process and in those cases I don't mind a few misspelled words, unended comments or even a few wrong or lost pictures. Most of the time I will mention it in the review for a helpful heads-up to the author and/or editor. In this case I am sure the latter already knows what is wrong.
So to get it out of the way and to be done with it allow us proceed with the criticizing. I was truly surprised to find that there were photographs taken from such companies as Istock and Shutterstock, which are great companies for sharing, included. When I pick-up a book that does have photographs I would hope for some nice photos hopefully from the makers of the book or at least if they must include another's work one that doesn't have watermarks and copyright stamped all over them as it takes away from the actual viewing delight even for children.
Another thing included were editorial comments such as to remind someone to remove calamine lotion spots from a photograph of a girl, to add labels to a graph, to explain where something wouldl go or as a reminder to add another photograph to a spot. I can overlook not including stickers, especially when the book is already digital to begin with, but really are you going to give editorial copies to readers without polishing up the actual book you want to present to the public?
Alright now that I am done with that fussing I will go on with the rest of the book review itself. I liked the concept that this is more like a mix of a nature guide, a nature journal for children and an activity book all combined together. As such it gives parents or other responsible parties ideas on how to plan a fun family time outdoors whether the focus may be on exploring, playing, learning or a combination of the above.
Although some of the suggested activities are games that adults can come up with on their own there are a few suggestions I hadn't known about or thought of such as drip castles, which may be fun to try on another beach trip.
Furthermore the book gives at least two pages to each mentioned subject. The left page is given to a small fact telling side about a section such as fish while the next page includes an array of creatures or plants found in that group while giving suggestive questions to help young readers ask more about what they are experiencing around them.
All in all it was a pretty decent one and if priced favorably would be a suggested read for a pre-family get-together. Otherwise a digital one without sticker may give crafty people some great suggestions on how to make similar ones for themselves for similar or other adventures.
***I received a free copy to read of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
Understandably some of the ARCs that readers get are books that are works in process and in those cases I don't mind a few misspelled words, unended comments or even a few wrong or lost pictures. Most of the time I will mention it in the review for a helpful heads-up to the author and/or editor. In this case I am sure the latter already knows what is wrong.
So to get it out of the way and to be done with it allow us proceed with the criticizing. I was truly surprised to find that there were photographs taken from such companies as Istock and Shutterstock, which are great companies for sharing, included. When I pick-up a book that does have photographs I would hope for some nice photos hopefully from the makers of the book or at least if they must include another's work one that doesn't have watermarks and copyright stamped all over them as it takes away from the actual viewing delight even for children.
Another thing included were editorial comments such as to remind someone to remove calamine lotion spots from a photograph of a girl, to add labels to a graph, to explain where something wouldl go or as a reminder to add another photograph to a spot. I can overlook not including stickers, especially when the book is already digital to begin with, but really are you going to give editorial copies to readers without polishing up the actual book you want to present to the public?
Alright now that I am done with that fussing I will go on with the rest of the book review itself. I liked the concept that this is more like a mix of a nature guide, a nature journal for children and an activity book all combined together. As such it gives parents or other responsible parties ideas on how to plan a fun family time outdoors whether the focus may be on exploring, playing, learning or a combination of the above.
Although some of the suggested activities are games that adults can come up with on their own there are a few suggestions I hadn't known about or thought of such as drip castles, which may be fun to try on another beach trip.
Furthermore the book gives at least two pages to each mentioned subject. The left page is given to a small fact telling side about a section such as fish while the next page includes an array of creatures or plants found in that group while giving suggestive questions to help young readers ask more about what they are experiencing around them.
All in all it was a pretty decent one and if priced favorably would be a suggested read for a pre-family get-together. Otherwise a digital one without sticker may give crafty people some great suggestions on how to make similar ones for themselves for similar or other adventures.
***I received a free copy to read of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
April 3, 2019
Backpack Explorer: Beach Walk is a children’s nonfiction activity book by the editors of Storey Publishing. I enjoyed this short (60 page) action-packed book. I received an ARC ebook for my review. A hardback copy will be available April 2, 2019 that features a real magnifying glass, stickers to use in the book, and a beach log to record what you did and what you saw.
The text in this book is organized in one – five paragraphs per page, which is sufficient for grades 2-3. The authors employ imagery to help relay the messages. The primary medium are colorful photographs.
It was interesting to see the different plants and animals of each family. Example, there are at least twelve different types of seaweed and at least nine different types of crustaceans.
This book is great for young beachcombers, ages 4-8, to use along with their caretakers. My favorite part of the book was the photographs of the different types of sand castles.
I recommend this book to young homeschoolers and young fans of the beach because it showcases items found at the beach and includes fun activities to do while at the beach.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
The text in this book is organized in one – five paragraphs per page, which is sufficient for grades 2-3. The authors employ imagery to help relay the messages. The primary medium are colorful photographs.
It was interesting to see the different plants and animals of each family. Example, there are at least twelve different types of seaweed and at least nine different types of crustaceans.
This book is great for young beachcombers, ages 4-8, to use along with their caretakers. My favorite part of the book was the photographs of the different types of sand castles.
I recommend this book to young homeschoolers and young fans of the beach because it showcases items found at the beach and includes fun activities to do while at the beach.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
December 24, 2018
This is a fun, interactive book for young kids who are headed to the beach. It includes information and brief field guides for 12 types of things kids will find at the beach -- rocks, shells, mammals, shore birds, tracks, seaweed, crustaceans, fish, jellyfish, tide pools, coastal plants and sea stars (and their friends). For each of the 12 categories, there is an "I found it!" sticker that kids can put in the book when they find an example, plus a page illustrating some examples, along with activities to do involving them.
Games and activities include things like sand tic-tac-toe and darts, nature mandalas, and making a sea creature out of found natural objects.
The end of the book has a little fill-in section for kids to write down the beach they visited and when, note the things they did, and use more stickers.
This would make a great keepsake for younger kids visiting the beach for the first time (or a new beach). The journal aspect makes it a little less useful for groups of kids or siblings. It would be great if this type of book said "we" instead of "I" to work for families, classes and other groups of children to do it together. It would also be great if the journal aspect had space for multiple visits to multiple beaches instead of making it more of a one-time thing. A log of beaches we've visited and sea life we've found would be fun, for instance.
That said, this is a colorful, educational book that will teach kids a lot about the beach but also provide lots of fun.
I viewed a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
Games and activities include things like sand tic-tac-toe and darts, nature mandalas, and making a sea creature out of found natural objects.
The end of the book has a little fill-in section for kids to write down the beach they visited and when, note the things they did, and use more stickers.
This would make a great keepsake for younger kids visiting the beach for the first time (or a new beach). The journal aspect makes it a little less useful for groups of kids or siblings. It would be great if this type of book said "we" instead of "I" to work for families, classes and other groups of children to do it together. It would also be great if the journal aspect had space for multiple visits to multiple beaches instead of making it more of a one-time thing. A log of beaches we've visited and sea life we've found would be fun, for instance.
That said, this is a colorful, educational book that will teach kids a lot about the beach but also provide lots of fun.
I viewed a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
February 14, 2019
I am reviewing this book for Emily Hawkins, Tom Adams, Quarto Publishing and NetGalley who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
What a fantastic book which will encourage children to explore their environment - in this case, the beach. The photographs are brilliant - I love the use of photos instead of drawings as children need to see the real thing.
I would have used this with my children as it gives ideas of what they could do and what they can look for. There is information about many of the things you will find on the beach.
There are also stickers available to use to say you'd found something. This is fine if the book is just to be used by one child but with three kids this would have been problematic.
There's a small section at the back for children to note down where they went, when and what they did etc.
The inclusion of real pictures will make it a very useful resource in the classroom where some children will not have been to a beach.
My brain is on overdrive thinking how I can use it to create a beach in the grounds for some of our children to experience.
What a fantastic book which will encourage children to explore their environment - in this case, the beach. The photographs are brilliant - I love the use of photos instead of drawings as children need to see the real thing.
I would have used this with my children as it gives ideas of what they could do and what they can look for. There is information about many of the things you will find on the beach.
There are also stickers available to use to say you'd found something. This is fine if the book is just to be used by one child but with three kids this would have been problematic.
There's a small section at the back for children to note down where they went, when and what they did etc.
The inclusion of real pictures will make it a very useful resource in the classroom where some children will not have been to a beach.
My brain is on overdrive thinking how I can use it to create a beach in the grounds for some of our children to experience.
August 2, 2022
The entire Backpack Explorer series follows a similar format and scope -- part nature guide, part nature journal, and part activity book. These books would work well for a homeschool nature group or for interest-based learning. Note that each book is consumable with write-in pages and stickers to use.
Children will have an opportunity to learn about various beach-themed topics: seaweed, tide pools, food webs, crustaceans, and more! Real photographs are included when possible which adds to the depth of experience.
Pages are included for children to nature journal or keep track of their observations. For example, stickers are provided in the back of the book for the child to add on to a specific page to sort of earn a "badge" for what they observed and learned. There are other pages that provide scavenger hunts or checklists for children to write in.
In addition, there are a number of activity ideas for play and exploration on the beach: create marine mandalas, build beach critters, make a sundial, play sand games, and more. Most of these are things adults could probably think of, but I think a child might like to have this book in their hands and take ownership of a specific idea they would like to try.
Overall, this is a nice hands-on exploration guide that celebrates nature!
**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Storey Publishing. Opinions are my own.
Children will have an opportunity to learn about various beach-themed topics: seaweed, tide pools, food webs, crustaceans, and more! Real photographs are included when possible which adds to the depth of experience.
Pages are included for children to nature journal or keep track of their observations. For example, stickers are provided in the back of the book for the child to add on to a specific page to sort of earn a "badge" for what they observed and learned. There are other pages that provide scavenger hunts or checklists for children to write in.
In addition, there are a number of activity ideas for play and exploration on the beach: create marine mandalas, build beach critters, make a sundial, play sand games, and more. Most of these are things adults could probably think of, but I think a child might like to have this book in their hands and take ownership of a specific idea they would like to try.
Overall, this is a nice hands-on exploration guide that celebrates nature!
**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Storey Publishing. Opinions are my own.
March 17, 2019
Backpack Explorer: Beach Walk is a fun, educational book that is enjoyable for young children. It is a child-friendly book with a lot of photos and descriptions. My five year old enjoyed reading this book with me in preparation for our upcoming beach trip, although I think the book is geared more toward upper elementary children. I would recommend this book for parents and their children to read together.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Storey Publishing through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Storey Publishing through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
June 4, 2019
Superb! Great book to take to the beach or on a seaside holiday. Packed full of information, illustrations and photographs, there's enough to keep children occupied for a week exploring the beach and environs, and undertaking all the suggested activities. From sand games to wave identification to exploring stones. The book is divided into four sections: nature field guides; beach fun and games; seaside hunts; and discovery zone. I also love the suggestion of sitting quietly with your eyes closed and just listening or smelling.
September 18, 2020
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a neat book to help you explore and learn about the beach. There are places where you can notate what you find. It would probably be great for a homeschool activity.
This is a neat book to help you explore and learn about the beach. There are places where you can notate what you find. It would probably be great for a homeschool activity.
April 9, 2024
My kids LOVE this book. It entertains them for long periods of time. Although we haven’t been to the beach yet, I can imagine how fun it would be to use it. Looking forward to the other books in this series.
July 14, 2025
Excellent book/activity book to learn about many treasures that you will find at the beach. This is a great book to use with your children and/or students. Lots of great suggestions for activities and things to watch for at the beach. Fantastic book!
November 5, 2020
I recently included this book in a nature backpack I assembled for my grandchildren ages 6 and 3. The perfect accompaniment to the journal, drawing stuff, binoculars, etc. We used the book for the first time and the many activities and various guides captured their attention for a half day's adventure.
November 4, 2018
I really liked this book and think that young beach explorers (and their adults) will too! It is filled with information, photographs, illustrations, stickers, suggested activities and more. There are many suggestions about things to look for and observe; everything from seabirds to plants to tides to sounds to shells and rocks and loads more. There are suggestions for games, building sandcastles and many other activities. At the back of the book is a facsimile of a diary entry in which a child can note the day's adventures. The book is appealing and interactive. I recommend it highly!
November 29, 2018
A book on what you will find in the beach, suggesting on some activities you can do in the beach. Illustrations are wonderful. There is a backpack log at the end which the kids can use it for their journal to record their day at the beach. Contents include sea stars, sand games, sand & stones, sand castle, shore birds, shells, seaweed, tide pools, water, waves and tides, Crustaceans, Fish, Marine mammals, jellyfish, tracks, coastal plants and Ocean food web.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews