The sandcastle that jack built

The Sandcastle That Jack Built 

Words by Judith Graves; Art by Maurice Bernard 

These are the hands, small but strong, 

That moulded and shaped the spire’s great form… 

At once familiar and fresh, The Sandcastle that Jack Built is a lyrical and playful version of the traditional nursery rhyme. This day, we are at the beach, and the house that Jack builds, step by step, is a sandcastle. But while the sandcastle grows, a storm draws closer and closer, and finally, a wave swamps Jack’s creation. Luckily, the best thing about sandcastles is that you can always build a better one tomorrow! 

In this updated classic, Judith Graves’s beautiful text is perfectly accompanied by rich, vivid illustrations from renowned Island artist Maurice Bernard. 

Judith Graves is an award-winning young adult fiction writer (Exposed and Infiltrate: Retribution Series) as well as a screenwriter and illustrator. A firm believer that stories, like sandcastles, can bring people together, Judith writes with humour and heart. She lives in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, with her husband and rescue pup - who may have (tragically!) tromped on a sandcastle or two during their beach walks. 

Maurice Bernard works mainly in oils and chalk pastels. His art captures the beauty and grace of the Island, the innocence of children and the warmth of families. A professional artist since 1982, Maurice is also a popular art teacher and has earned acclaim for his commissioned portraits, which reflect his genuine interest in the life of his subjects. Throughout the summer months, Maurice can be found building sandcastles on the beaches of PEI’s north shore. He lives and works in Summerside, PEI. Learn more about Maurice here: https://hen110.wixsite.com/mauricebernardshop

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The Sandcastle That Jack Built

Words by Judith Graves; Art by Maurice Bernard

Acorn Press, 2025

ISBN: 9781773661896