Three by the Sea (Penguin Young Readers, Level 3)

Three by the Sea is about three children, Lolly, Spider, and Sam, who have a picnic on the beach. Lolly tells a story to pass the time that they have to wait before they can swim because they just ate. Lolly's story is about a cat, a dog, and a rat. Spider and Sam do not like Lolly's story so Sam

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tries to tell a better one, but Lolly says it has to be about a cat and a rat. Lolly likes Sam's story, but Spider does not like the ending so he tells a story about a monster who likes to eat children. Lolly and Sam both like Spider's story. Enough time has passed after the stories that the children go swim.

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Three stories told by three friends one better than the next exemplifies good story elements. This book was recommended by author George Shannon at the IRA Conference talk as his most favorite book to use for sharing with students about good story writing.

Funny. And a good way to introduce a discussion of 'what makes a good story' among young writers. Which is your favorite? How would you suggest improvements to each? What would your story be, if you were participating with Lolly and her friends?

Also, of course, it's a satire of the weaker early

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readers. As the Marshalls make clear, there's no reason a beginner's book can't be a good book.

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