Changing Tides

In this touching story for children ages 3-7, Theo and his mother become part of Lula's family, but things don't go quite as planned. A beautiful celebration of blended families and adapting to change.

When Theo and his mother become part of Lula’s family, Lula isn’t sure what to expect. She’s never had a big brother before. On vacation at the beach, the new siblings make a sandcastle and slowly learn to trust each other as they work together. But when things don’t go as planned, will their relationship weather the storm?

Lula, a preschooler, lives with her father. She loves trips to the seashore with him, but today is different. Theo, a boy who’s a little older, and his mother, Simone, will be going with them. When Lula complains, Dad responds that “they’re part of the family now.” Not sure that she wants a big brother, Lula is reluctant to accept Theo. While he helps load the car with beach toys, Lula points out that the toys are hers. They reach the shore and she runs straight for the water. Theo joins her. As they build a large sand castle together, Lula’s tension fades. When the waves wash their castle away, Theo promises to help her build a new one the next day. The concise narrative tells an outwardly simple, agreeable story with strong emotional undercurrents that young listeners will sense and understand. Júlia Moscardó’s art creates the seaside setting with graceful lines and subtle colors, while portraying the characters’ emotions (particularly Lula’s) with clarity and sensitivity as they more toward becoming a blended, biracial family together. --Booklist

Júlia Moscardó is an award-winning artist and illustrator. She lives in the UK with her partner, Joe, who is also an illustrator, and her daughter. In 2017, she graduated with an MA in children’s book illustration from the Cambridge School of Art.

Júlia Moscardó is an award-winning artist and illustrator. She lives in the UK with her partner, Joe, who is also an illustrator, and her daughter. In 2017, she graduated with an MA in children’s book illustration from the Cambridge School of Art.

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