Amid the Sand Dunes
By Andrea Rowe / illustrated by Hannah Sommerville
This book has made the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s 2025 Notable list in the Award category for Book of the Year: Early Childhood.
Sand dunes hear our climbing feet,
squeaking steps sinking deep.Waves crash and clang an ocean tune …
… sing to us, our dear sand dune.
This beautiful children’s boardbook is a treat for adventurers and nature-lovers of all ages. It follows a group of small children (and a responsible adult, of course) as they wander through and explore the beachside enviroment of the sand dunes.
The words and visuals merge beautifully to capture the awe, fascination, curiosity and joy of youth. And evoke a dreamy and gentle, peaceful, calming and (for me) nostalgic vibe. The words, combined into rhyming verses, are simple but well chosen. The author has clearly mastered the art of conveying much with little. Likewise, the illustrations are wonderfully open and light. And, just like the ecosystem of the sand dunes, when examined more closely they uncover a busy and bustling world full of life.
This book is a lovely, gentle and thoughtful way to introduce young children to nature and taking an interest in our natural environment. A recommended read for the little uns.
Titles by the same author and illustrator
