Clams All Year [Paperback]

Maryann Cocca-Leffler (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

During summer vacation all the brothers and sisters and cousins of one large family come to stay together at a big house by the shore. Each morning Grandpa wakes the sleepy children to go clam digging. Each day they return with hardly any clams at all. But one day after a big storm they go down to the beach and discover a big surprise--a bumper crop of clams that will last all year long.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Dedicated to her late grandfather, Cocca-Leffler's (What a Pest!) heartfelt story celebrates what is evidently a cherished childhood memory. Sun-drenched gouache and colored-pencil illustrations with the limpidity of watercolors set a welcoming seaside scene as the genial narrator explains how she, her siblings and cousins spend summers together in "a large, rambling house on the ocean in New England." At sunrise on three consecutive mornings, the sleepy children accompany Grandpa to the beach, where they dig unsuccessfully for clams. But on the fourth morning, after a big storm has kept them awake half the night, the youngsters and Grandpa discover a "bumper crop" of clams, so many, in fact, that they run out of containers, and it takes the whole family all day to clean them. They freeze some and serve them at Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinners, for summertime pleasures "all year." While some of the particulars in Cocca-Leffler's buoyant illustrations (e.g., shirts with peace signs or flower-power patterns) invoke a 1960s setting, this simply told tale of a close-knit family has a timeless, understated warmth. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3?A young girl recalls a summer spent at a beach house in New England with her relatives. Early morning clam hunts with Grandpa end in disappointment until an overnight storm results in a clam-digging bonanza. Everyone gathers on the beach to fill all available containers, including the baby's plastic pool. The bountiful harvest means the families have plenty of clams to freeze for winter gatherings, even after a satisfying summer feast. The gouache and colored-pencil illustrations capture the love and exuberance of the extended family, especially their affection for Grandpa. A fine choice to share with children anticipating summer vacations, or for reliving them on cold winter days.?Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (May 11, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440414474
• ISBN-13: 978-0440414476
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,951,969 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Website: www.maryanncoccaleffler.com
My PLAY: www.princesskimthemusical.com
my Blog: www.maryanncoccaleffler.blogspot.com

I've been writing and illustrating children's books for more than 25 years and have published over 50 books. I graduated from Massachusetts College of Art in 1980 with a BFA in illustration. My Italian childhood sneaks into my books. The first book I wrote and illustrated was "Wednesday is Spaghetti Day". My books "Bus Route to Boston" and "Clams All Year" are family stories which I hold dear to my heart. Recent books include "Rain Brings Frogs-A Little Book of Hope" ,"Princess K.I.M and the Lie that Grew" and "Princess Kim and Too Much Truth", which are currently being made into Pristin K.I.M The Musical. Broadway here I come! Please keep checking my website and blog to see my new books or learn news about upcoming projects. I live and work in NH where I write and illustrate on an average of two books a year. I have two wonderful daughters and a supportive husband who are the first ones to see my ideas (love to torture them!).
I'd love to hear from you.
Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great kid's beach book, June 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Clams All Year (Library Binding)

Beautifully illustrated story of a family beach vacation written as a childhood memory. The beach house is filled with family (siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, parents and, of course, Grandpa)and every day Grandpa wakes the kids to join him clamming at low tide. After several outings without much success, a bumper crop of clams is gathered that becomes a part of family celebrations for the rest of the year and family history forever. The next best thing to a trip to the beach.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book any family can relate to!, November 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Clams All Year (Paperback)

My nephews and nieces enjoyed the book, and I enjoyed reading it to them. We could relate to the fun and togetherness of the family activities written about and illustrated in the book. I highly recommend it.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful for summer, vacations, visits with grandparents..., February 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Clams All Year (Paperback)

My four year old daugter thoroughly enjoyed this book, and asked to have it read again and again. She suggested we take it with us to the beach. She's never had clams before, and now she wants to try them!