'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Wednesday 21 March 2018

Review: Sandcastle

I love building sandcastles.
Do you?

Philip Bunting co-creator of Koala Eats Gum Leaves and author/illustrator of Mopoke now brings readers a deep story in Sandcastle. It is a story that reflects on the ebb and flow of life.

On the surface this is a delightful and simple story about Rae and Grandad building a sandcastle, its tower, ramparts and a moat.

While building the sandcastle Rae and Grandad are building a special relationship where they share feelings and knowledge. Their relationship is heartwarming.

On the sidelines, a little cute crab has been observing the sandcastle's construction. The crab joins Rae and Grandad's imaginative play by becoming the castle's dragon. The whimsical illustration shows the crabs transformation into a dragon with some seaweed sticky taped onto the crab's head.

Once the sandcastle is complete, it is deemed magnificent! Bunting's illustrations with tiny coloured circles within the sand makes the sand twinkle in the sunlight.

As the tide rolls in Rae is concerned that it will wash away the sandcastle. What will happen to the sandcastle?

Grandad reassures Rae that even if the sandcastle washes away and can no longer be seen that it still exists, 'The sandcastle may be gone, but everything that made it is still here, and always will be.'

Bunting ends Sandcastle with the sunlight fading into a golden sunset. I wonder if Rae will rebuild the sandcastle?

Title: Sandcastle
Author/Illustrator: Philip Bunting
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 21 February 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760295387
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Books