Seaside

Part of the My World in 100 Words series for children aged one to three, this board book turns a day at the sea into a set of first words. Young readers meet a hat, a shell, a wave, a crab, a bucket and a spade, along with many other seaside sights. Illustrated by Sophie Beer in vivid, playful artwork, the book has a soft, silky cover that gives little hands something to feel as well as look at.

The words fall into clear groups. Things to pack for the beach include a towel, sun cream, a beach ball and a spade. Foods include sandwiches, a lolly, an apple, a banana and ice cream. Sea creatures include a turtle, an octopus, a whale, a seagull, a dolphin, a fish and a seahorse. The book also covers feeling words such as happy and excited, action words such as waving and splashing, and describing words such as wet and helpful. Each type of word has its own colour, so children can start to recognise the different kinds.

Each page carries ten words, and the layout alternates between full scenes and simple visual lists. The aim is to widen a child's vocabulary, help them become familiar with the world around them, and build early language and emotional understanding. The series' other titles explore subjects such as starting nursery and the home.