The Sandman and the Turtles

Reach for this book when your child is caught between the logic of growing up and the fading magic of early childhood, or when you want to inspire a deeper connection to the natural world during a seaside holiday. It is a gentle, atmospheric story about Michael, a boy visiting his cousin in Wales, who builds a sand sculpture of a legendary giant only to see the line between myth and reality blur as the tide comes in. Morpurgo weaves themes of creativity, family bonds, and environmental stewardship into a narrative that feels both timeless and grounded. At under 80 pages with evocative illustrations, it is an ideal transitional chapter book for children aged 7 to 10. Parents will appreciate how it encourages children to look at the landscape with wonder, fostering a sense of gratitude for the hidden magic in nature.