At the Bach
Age 1+
Picture Books
An evocative and beautiful bedtime book that distils the essence of summer at the bach; creaky old bed, sandy feet, waves hush-hushing and a shell under the pillow.
This simple poem by internationally renowned Joy Cowley transports the reader instantly to a childhood summer.
Summer holidays by the sea have a rhythm all their own. With a few well chosen images Cowley takes us straight to the end of a long hot day, with beach treasures under the pillow, the sound of the waves and the salty smell of the sea.
Hilary Jean Tapper’s warm watercolour and ink illustrations bring to vivid life a quintessential experience in every childhood.
This title is a special New Zealand edition using the original poem title At the Bach. The international edition is published as Good Night, Good Beach.
“Full of the warmth of friends and family, the basics of the beach and the joy of a simple holiday home.”
National Library of New Zealand, Best Children's Books of 2023
"An ideal bedtime story, where every word counts." The Source, Magpies
“One you will read so often, you’ll know it off by heart and your kids will start joining in.” The Sapling
The Listener Best Children's Books of 2023
Creators
Joy Cowley is one of New Zealand’s best-loved writers for children and adults, with an international reputation. She has won a multitude of awards and honours for her bestselling books, including the Prime Minister's Award for contribution to literature. She was shortlisted for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2018.
Hilary Jean Tapper is an illustrator and creative arts therapist. Her picture books include A Stick and A Stone (written by Sarina Dickson) and What To Say (by Davina Bell).
Reviews
Full of the warmth of friends and family, the basics of the beach and the joy of a simple holiday home.
National Library of New Zealand, Best Children's Books of 2023
An ideal bedtime story, where every word counts.
The Source, Magpies
Adults will enjoy this one just as much as the kids… At the Bach is one of those books that will open up the chance to have a natter with your kids about holidays they have loved, what the beach means to them and dream a little about staying in a bach just like the one on its pages. This is another beautiful addition to the stack of books that Joy has created over the years and it is one that, I think, will be a cherished favourite….
The Sapling
