Marama is a lonely little girl who spends all her time at the beach, playing and dreaming. One day she fashions a figure out of sand and wishes for him to come to life and be her friend. Her wish is granted by the god of the sea, Tangaroa, and the Sandman becomes Marama's companion in her adventures. However, they are both placed in terrible danger by a storm which strikes the beach. Consummate storyteller Esther Tamehana, has constructed a powerful tale of friendship transcending a little girl's loneliness. There is much in the story for children to relate to. It has been vibrantly illustrated by well-known illustrator Kerry Gemmill.
Accolades
Shortlisted for NZLIA Children's Book Award Russell Clark Medal 1998.
Shortlisted for New Zealand Post Children's Book Award: Picture Book 1998.
Author Biography
Esther Tamehana is the author of the much loved Roimata's Cloak and He Kahurere. Henry Campbell uses a funky and interesting style of illustration, building up a very textured picture with bright colours, lots of detail and plenty of hidden objects for children to pick out as they read. His work is certain to delight any reader.
