Jake is excited about going to the beach with Mother, Father, and his little sister, Kelly. He wants to help out so they can be on their way. After spilling the milk, breaking a plate, and sloshing pickle juice in the picnic basket, he finally goes to his room feeling like he’s just in the way. While waiting for Mother and Father to finish the chores, he reads books to Kelly. When they get to the beach, Jake helps Kelly build a sand castle and teaches her how to swim. At the end of the day, Mother and Father explain to Jake that he was a big helper even though he didn’t realize it. Jake is excited about going to the beach with Mother, Father, and his little sister, Kelly. He wants to help out so they can be on their way. After spilling the milk, breaking a plate, and sloshing pickle juice in the picnic basket, he finally goes to his room feeling like he's just in the way. While waiting for Mother and Father to finish the chores, he reads books to Kelly. When they get to the beach, Jake helps Kelly build a sand castle and teaches her how to swim. At the end of the day, Mother and Father explain to Jake that he was a big helper even though he didn't realize it. Crystal Bowman loves writing books for kids. Her books come in all shapes and sizes and many of them have become best sellers. Whether her stories are written in playful rhythm and rhyme, or short sentences for beginning readers, she tries to make them so enjoyable that kids will want to read them over and over again. "But the most important part," she says, "is to teach children that God loves them and cares about them very much." To recognize Karen Maizel on the street, first look down at her feet for Converse tennis shoes. Next, determine what she’s carrying; she alternates between her very first granddaughter, Sofia, and her portfolio. Finally, look for a dreamy expression around the eyes, as she envisions herself driving the Wienermobile across the country. Karen lives in Lakewood, Ohio, with her family.