I’m jumping waves at the beach with Dad.
If they’re small I can leap over their frothy peaks.
Easy!
But further out, when they’re big, you have to duck dive under.
Over or Under?
by Pip Harry / illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper
This book made the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Notable list for the 2025 CBCA Book of the Year Awards : Early Childhood.
And was shortlisted for the 2025 ABIA Children’s Picture Book of the Year (Ages 0-6) Award.
This very Australian picture book is about a young girl, Maisie, making her first foray into the deeper waters at the beach. With her dad, she is learning the intricacies of ocean swimming. Watching and reading the waves; where they will break; and, most importantly, when to float over the top of a wave … and when to dive under and pop up safely on the other side.
Unfortunately, she also learns what it feels like to be dumped by a wave. Maisie takes a time out, doing other beach things, but the ocean calls her back. With her dad there for support, she musters a little courage and has another crack at those bigger waves. Did she succeed? Did she duck, dive and come out the other side? I guess you’ll have to borrow it to find out!
I appreciate the author and illustrator’s nuanced approach to this seaside scenario. While Maisie and her dad are undoubtedly having fun at the beach, their focus on beach/water safety and awareness clearly comes across. At the end of the picture book there is even a “Staying safe at the beach!” page, which lists some very helpful tips. A must read to the kids before hitting the beaches this summer.
