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Sandcastle
A story for anyone who likes to spend a day at the beach, and for everyone who has ever pondered the big questions about our place in the universe.
Rae and Grandad set out to build a sandcastle.
They make a tall tower.
They raise great ramparts.
They dig a deep moat.
They even find a dragon.
But will it be enough to hold the tide?
Sandcastle is a beautiful exploration of the ebb and flow of life.
Rae and Grandad set out to build a sandcastle.
They make a tall tower.
They raise great ramparts.
They dig a deep moat.
They even find a dragon.
But will it be enough to hold the tide?
Sandcastle is a beautiful exploration of the ebb and flow of life.
- GenresPicture BooksFamily
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2018
About the author
Philip Bunting
116 books64 followersPhilip Bunting's work deliberately encourages playful interaction between the reader and child, allowing his books to create a platform for genuine intergenerational engagement, and fun.
Philip's books have been translated into multiple languages, and published in over 25 countries around the world. Since his first title was published in 2017, Philip has received multiple accolades, including Honours from the Children's Book Council of Australia, and making the list for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2018. His titles include Mopoke and How Did I Get Here?
Philip's books have been translated into multiple languages, and published in over 25 countries around the world. Since his first title was published in 2017, Philip has received multiple accolades, including Honours from the Children's Book Council of Australia, and making the list for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2018. His titles include Mopoke and How Did I Get Here?
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 21, 2024
A deceptively simple story about Rae and his Grandad building a magnificent sandcastle on the beach. As the tides comes in, they watch as the water slowly surrounds their castle, eventually breaking it apart. Grandad comforts Rae by saying that the castle is still here, you just can't see it.
A note from the author on the last page says: "You, me, this book, your breakfast... we're all made from tiny particles, stuff that has been around since the beginning of time. We're only borrowing these particles from the enormous universe that made them. Once we're done with them, the bits that make us will go on to lead many new existences on Earth, and beyond."
LOVE this concept and the beautiful way this book makes it real for little readers.
A note from the author on the last page says: "You, me, this book, your breakfast... we're all made from tiny particles, stuff that has been around since the beginning of time. We're only borrowing these particles from the enormous universe that made them. Once we're done with them, the bits that make us will go on to lead many new existences on Earth, and beyond."
LOVE this concept and the beautiful way this book makes it real for little readers.
August 22, 2024
A deceptively simple story about Rae and his Grandad building a magnificent sandcastle on the beach. As the tides comes in, they watch as the water slowly surrounds their castle, eventually breaking it apart. Grandad comforts Rae by saying that the castle is still here, you just can't see it.
A note from the author on the last page says: "You, me, this book, your breakfast... we're all made from tiny particles, stuff that has been around since the beginning of time. We're only borrowing these particles from the enormous universe that made them. Once we're done with them, the bits that make us will go on to lead many new existences on Earth, and beyond."
LOVE this concept and the beautiful way this book makes it real for little readers.
A note from the author on the last page says: "You, me, this book, your breakfast... we're all made from tiny particles, stuff that has been around since the beginning of time. We're only borrowing these particles from the enormous universe that made them. Once we're done with them, the bits that make us will go on to lead many new existences on Earth, and beyond."
LOVE this concept and the beautiful way this book makes it real for little readers.
April 8, 2020
Sandcastle. by @philip.bunting is a beautiful picture story book that tells the story and Rae and his Grandad exploring and learning to appreciate the smaller things in life that are actually quite important and significant in shaping who we are. I use book to also teach kids resilience and to have a positive, ‘can do’ attitude. It has stunning illustrations and beautiful, well written messages that are appropriate for all ages. See my CLASSROOM highlights for 5 thought provoking questions from Philip that made me question how I’ve read this book! Excellent work, truly! Published by @allenandunwin
July 10, 2025
Philip Bunting wrote this. I wonder if he is in any way related to Eve Bunting. Maybe a grandson. Maybe not.
Anyway, he has a way with children's books. The story is simple and yet he is able to get a big abstract message in there. I love it.
Grandpa and grandson are building a huge sandcastle together. It's magnificent. I love the crab that hands around. He's funny and cute. They watch the tide come in. The kid keeps hoping the castle will hold the water back, but eventually, the whole thing is gone. The kid is disappointed.
Grandpa says the castle is still there. He basically goes on to talk about atoms and the make up of life. Man, it's so well done. What a wonderful story.
The artwork looks digital, I couldn't tell. It's happy and beachy and well done. Simple and effective. Philip takes all these simple elements to build a complex little story. I want to read more of his stuff.
Kids who love the beach will enjoy this.
Anyway, he has a way with children's books. The story is simple and yet he is able to get a big abstract message in there. I love it.
Grandpa and grandson are building a huge sandcastle together. It's magnificent. I love the crab that hands around. He's funny and cute. They watch the tide come in. The kid keeps hoping the castle will hold the water back, but eventually, the whole thing is gone. The kid is disappointed.
Grandpa says the castle is still there. He basically goes on to talk about atoms and the make up of life. Man, it's so well done. What a wonderful story.
The artwork looks digital, I couldn't tell. It's happy and beachy and well done. Simple and effective. Philip takes all these simple elements to build a complex little story. I want to read more of his stuff.
Kids who love the beach will enjoy this.
March 19, 2018
This is such a lovely book about the ebbs and flow of life. How even if things are gone they’ll always be with us in some way. Beautiful story to explain to children how memories are still special even if something is lost. Such simple but pretty illustrations. Really enjoyed it!
March 16, 2018
My review for this book is now on the CBCA's Reading Time web site, readingtime.com.au
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews