Children's Books and Family History: Wave (Memory Prompt Monday)

What is your favorite memory from a day at the beach?

Was it building sandcastles, searching for seashells, jumping waves, collecting treasures along the shoreline, or simply spending time with family? Take a few minutes to record a beach memory you never want to forget.

One of the reasons I love Wave by Suzy Lee is that it captures the wonder and joy of a child discovering the ocean. Without using any words, the story beautifully shows the playful relationship between a little girl and the waves as she explores the beach. The illustrations remind us that some of our most meaningful memories are found in simple moments of curiosity, laughter, and adventure.

As you reflect on today's memory prompt, think about a favorite day at the beach. Who was with you? What did you do? What made the day special? Record as many details as you can. One day, that memory may become a treasured story for future generations.

I will never forget the morning after one very memorable family beach trip. My brother walked into the living room looking like a tomato with a farmers tan. He had spent the entire day sitting under an umbrella and decided he didn't need sunscreen. After all, how could the sun burn you if you stayed in the shade?

The sun, apparently, did not agree.

My aunt and uncle were visiting at the time, and they could not stop laughing. To this day, I still think he looked like Sam from Rocket Power, only much redder.

Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of the beach. I get nervous watching my children play in the ocean, even though they stay close to shore. There is something powerful and unpredictable about the waves. I also dislike finding sand everywhere, in my shoes, on the blanket, and inevitably on the bag of chips one of the kids has grabbed with sandy hands.

And yet, I understand why people love it. There is something peaceful about listening to the waves crash against the shore while seagulls call overhead and sailboats drift across the harbor. It is often the little moments, the funny stories, and the people we shared them with that make a day at the beach worth remembering.

ACTIVITY: A BEACH TRIP TO REMEMBER!

Write or draw your favorite beach memory. Think about who was there, what you did, and what made the day special.

If you have photographs from the day, add them to a journal, scrapbook, digital photo album, or FamilySearch Memories. Preserve the story while the details are still fresh in your mind.

to download/print the activity simply click here or on the image below