An evocative and beautiful bedtime picture book that distils the essence of summer at the beach—skin sticky with salt, sandy feet, waves hush-hushing and a shell under the pillow.

This simple poem by internationally renowned Joy Cowley transports the reader instantly to a childhood summer.

Summer holidays by the sea have a rhythm all their own. With a few well chosen images Cowley takes us straight to the end of a long hot day, with beach treasures under the pillow, the sound of the waves and the salty smell of the sea.

Hilary Jean Tapper’s warm watercolour and ink illustrations bring to vivid life a quintessential childhood experience.

Joy Cowley is one of New Zealand’s best-loved writers for children and adults, with an international reputation. She has won a multitude of awards and honours for her bestselling books, including the Prime Minister’s Award for contribution to literature. She was shortlisted for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2018.

Hilary Jean Tapper is an illustrator and creative arts therapist. Her picture books include What To Say (by Davina Bell) and A Stick and A Stone (written by Sarina Dickson).