My First Board Book: A Day at the Beach

Take a sandy, splashy trip to the seashore with My First Board Book: A Day at the Beach-a bilingual exploration of all the wonders of the coast. From sandcastles (pā kirikiri) to waves (ngaru) and lifeguards (kaikauhauora), this vibrant board book celebrates everything that makes a beach day magical. Award-winning illustrator Donovan Bixley ONZM captures the sun-soaked spirit of a Kiwi summer with colourful, whimsical illustrations that spark curiosity and conversation. Written in both English and te reo Māori, the book serves as an early learning tool for vocabulary acquisition and cultural connection. With over 100 books published, Bixley's rich storytelling tradition and deep love for New Zealand landscapes shine on every page. Designed to support early language development and a love of reading, this durable board book is perfect for little hands and inquisitive minds.

Educational Benefits:

• Supports bilingual learning with English and te reo Māori vocabulary.
• Encourages environmental awareness through exploration of seaside elements.
• Promotes early word recognition through vivid, contextual imagery.
• Fosters cultural appreciation and a connection to local geography.

Classroom Ideas:

• Create a classroom beach scene and label items using words from the book.
• Engage in a sensory activity with sand and shells while reading aloud.
• Discuss beach safety and the role of the lifeguard (kaikauhauora).
• Use the book as a basis for storytelling about family beach outings.

Information:

• Ages: 0-3 years
• Format: Board Book
• Language: English and te reo Māori
• Author/Illustrator: Donovan Bixley ONZM