"The clear, natural-sounding text reads aloud well, and large-type words and capitalization indicate which words to emphasize. In the digital artwork, the rounded lines and harmonious colors set a pleasing tone while depicting the characters expressively. This sunny picture book recreates a child’s memorable encounter with nature." - Booklist

" In a twist that feels lifted from a Bob Graham story, "Mom assures them that happens to everyone." Sima's big-nosed cartoons are also reminiscent of Graham's, in both the character-developing detail (Jules' ears stick out through her bobbed haircut endearingly) and their obvious affection for one another. A sweet sisterhood seaside story." - Kirkus Reviews

"Sima (Spencer’s New Pet) fills her pages with humor: the waves that initially take out Jules’s castles look comically sinister, and when the girl loses her bucket, her prone, face-down expression of defeat is worthy of Charlie Brown. The forces of nature and impermanence may be beyond our control, but Sima finds the funny in it." - Publishers Weekly

“Readers and viewers alike will appreciate the simplicity of a day at the beach where the only worry is how to make a remarkable sandcastle.” - BCCB

"Sima (Spencer’s New Pet) fills her pages with humor: the waves that initially take out Jules’s castles look comically sinister, and when the girl loses her bucket, her prone, face-down expression of defeat is worthy of Charlie Brown. The forces of nature and impermanence may be beyond our control, but Sima finds the funny in it." - Publishers Weekly