Roobee Roo: Fun in the sun! by Nico and Candy Robertson

Another in the highly entertaining series of board books about Roobee Roo and her magic pouch is presented in this book, Fun in the sun.  Dressed in her beach swim wear which coves her arms and shoulders, Roobbee Roo asks the question about what is in her pouch which gives clues about where she is off to today. Astute young readers will open the flap and spy her beachwear, sun lotion along with a bucket and spade, all tucked neatly into her pouch, and know that we are headed for the beach.

She pops on her sun block and swimmers and puts a large floppy hat on her head. She makes big footprints in the sand and collects lots of found objects which she arranges from the smallest to the biggest. She sees her biggest treasures, Wes and Perri and greets them with a ‘g’day’. She shows them how to leap over the waves, Perri shows them how to pretend to be a fish, and the three build a sand village with a Roobee Roo mermaid.

A wonderful day a the beach is had by the three friends, the board book detailing what things happen at the beach and how they can enjoy themselves, doing a variety of things. The book gives older people the opportunity to talk about the preparations needed when going to the beach and what to watch out for and what is needed to protect themselves. Kids will love following Roobee Roo and her friends as they take the opportunity to take part in the activities that are part of going to the beach. An emphasis on Australian customs and language gives a familiar feel to the story. Information about the authors can be found here.

Themes: Beach, Swim wear, Sun screen, Protection, Humour, Lift the flap.

Fran Knight