Joanne Linden’s suspenseful picture book, set on the boardwalk, is a breath of salty, beach air! “Ben & Zip: Two Short Friends” follows Ben’s nail-biting adventure as he tries to find his pal, Zip, who was separated from him at the seashore.
From Ben’s perspective, the boardwalk can be an ocean of view-blocking legs. Linden’s enterprising hero scales higher and higher vantage points in search of his rogue, vertically challenged companion.
The boardwalk amusements and other illustrations are drawn in full-color pen-and-ink, with a double scoop of humor on top, by Tom Goldsmith. Recommended for kids ages 4-8 — and any parent who wants to preview summer’s pleasures — “Ben & Zip” is a real page-turner with playful verse and a heart-warming conclusion that’s as sweet as salt water taffy.
“Ben & Zip: Two Short Friends” by Joanne Linden, $16.95, www.flashlightpress.com.
