4 out of 5 stars.
I would like to thank North South Books Inc. for an arc of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
Two of my kids (the ten year old and the six year old) helped me review ‘Surf’s Up’ and so the majority of comments and score are based on their feedback.
Firstly, we all loved this book. My kids are just a bit weird about giving a top score as they feel it will stop the author from writing (I don’t know why). And I’m pretty sure that’s the only reason this book didn’t get the full 5 out of 5 stars, as they really did enjoy it.
From the ten year olds point of view (and I will add picture books aren’t usually her scene – she has the reading age of a sixteen year old) she loved it. She loved the bright colours, the fun names and the fact that a book was seen as important as a fun day down at the beach. Loved the surf talk ‘bro, dude, cowabunga’ and so on. She also enjoyed the little extras like the whale on the wave at the end.
It has also made my eldest interested in reading ‘Moby Dick’. I have advised it does not contain frogs (that I can remember) and may still be a little too heavy for her tastes. But if she wants to have a go – why not!
My six year old (who I had in mind when requesting the book) also enjoyed it. His quote was: “It is good and very funny, put that down in the review”. And so I have. He liked the frogs, the scooter ride, how one wanted an adventure on the beach and one was having an adventure in the book. He also loved the pictures, the colours and the surfer dude language.
All in all a big hit with my family.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes I would. People with young children (and no so young children) will find this a great family read to enjoy together.
Would I buy this book for myself? I wouldn’t buy it for me personally, but I can see myself buying it for my son or as a present for a child of a similar age. It’s a fun little read for parents and kids a like.
In summary: Loved this book. Although it fits the ‘short sharp and shiny’ word content that makes up a good children’s book, it also has some great pictures, vibrant colours and fun words for the whole family to wrap their tongues around. I can see ‘bro’ and ‘dude’ becoming common phrases here now. A perfect read to not only encourage your children that reading is fun (and an adventure in itself) but a great book for here in Australia with summer just around the corner and everyone champing at the bit to get to the beach.
Until next time,
Janis. XXOO
Janis's Journal 