Big Family Beach Day

“What could be better than a family day at the beach? … Maya’s sentences are like the day itself: full of family and excitement, breathlessly racing from sand to surf and back. Crews’ story and art take place entirely in double-page spreads that mostly teem with Maya’s relations, a boisterous, multi-racial and -generational crew… . The love that binds this family together is as warm as the summer sun… . Pure joy.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“The digitally drawn illustrations portray a biracial extended family enjoying their beloved summer beach day. Their emotions are evident in the art, while Maya’s narrative focuses on her experiences. Anyone who remembers family outings at the beach will delight in seeing this picture book celebrate such similar, timeless activities.” – Booklist (starred review)

“Crews pays homage to fond families and beatific beach days in this busy slice-of-life picture book… . Feelings of autonomy, belonging, and camaraderie pervade the pages… . Vividly peopled beach landscapes packed with lively details capture the warm, inviting atmosphere of the day.” – Publishers Weekly

“Crews skillfully captures the atmosphere of a bustling family gathering… . The illustrations beautifully showcase both active moments and quieter instances of togetherness… . Celebrates the enduring warmth and timeless magic of summer days spent together.” – Horn Book Magazine

Nina Crews is a highly acclaimed author-illustrator and the daughter of Donald Crews and Ann Jonas. Her picture book The Neighborhood Mother Goose was an ALA Notable Book, a School Library Journal Best Book, and a Parenting Magazine Book of the Year. She is also the author and artist of One Hot Summer Day, I’m Not Small, Snowball, and other titles. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York.