A delightful picture book that celebrates small children feeling big and the ordinary days that make them feel that way.
For a young child, there are few memories as sweet as a sunny day at the beach. In Stephanie Henson’s Tall as the Sun, a day at the beach becomes even sweeter when shared by a parent and child. The joyful story opens with a busy day by the sea. An ecstatic child cries, “Uppy Up,” and hitches a ride on Daddy’s strong shoulders. From that secure vantage, the youngster enjoys a delightful view of all sorts of colors, shapes, and sizes of blankets, toys, people, animals, and other quintessentially beachy things. Sand sculptures are constructed, kites are flown, and the ocean’s animals swim and frolic. As Daddy walks further down the shoreline, everything seems to grow smaller from the child’s elevated perspective. Families playing in the sand give way to a towering lifeguard stand, swooping seagulls, and the sensation of flying like an airplane in the clouds. From high up on Daddy’s shoulders, imagination soars, and the happy child races through castles and whirls across the sky. The fun summer adventure becomes a fond memory of a day they got to be taller than they’d ever been.
If you’re looking for a soothing story for the youngest readers, Tall as the Sun is a gentle book you’ll treasure. With a tranquil mix of blues and tans that gives each scene a soft, drifting sense of movement, the whole book is wrapped in a sand‑and‑sky calm that feels made for bedtime. For parents reading aloud, the inviting artwork provides endless opportunities to spot cute little animals and other charming details. The lilting prose follows suit, with a repeated refrain, “The more Daddy walks, I feel taller, as the beach people seem smaller,” giving kids a familiar anchor that strengthens comprehension and builds confidence. An inclusive story by all accounts, the lead character is unnamed, and no gender is specified, allowing every child to step into the journey. That thoughtful choice keeps the story open and adaptable, avoiding stereotypes and encouraging imagination. Parents will love sharing this serene story, and kids will bask in the warmth of the tale. A delightful picture book that celebrates small children feeling big and the ordinary days that make them feel that way, Tall as the Sun is a tender tale that turns a single beach afternoon into a keepsake children will ask to revisit night after night.
