Build a Sandcastle

by Eileen Rajala Meyer

Slip on your flip flops, head to the beach, and have a whale of a good time building a sandcastle!

Build a castle in the sand—
ask a friend to lend a hand,
joining in a day of fun
celebrating in the sun.

Be sure to also check out Starfish’s Five-Star Tips about the science of building sandcastles. So, pack up your shovels and buckets—and head out for a perfect sunny day at play!

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2025

About the author

Eileen Rajala Meyer writes children's picture books and poetry.

Reviews

[Julie Winterbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ingeniously incorporates pro tips for building a sandcastle that won’t fall over with a rollicking rhyming story of friendship and beach fun that makes a great read-aloud, even if you are not heading for the beach anytime soon. Even better, it delivers lots of fascinating STEM information about everything from why water makes sand stronger and why it’s not a good idea to dig deep holes near the water (it could interfere with turtle nesting). The wonderful 3D art, made from textured fabric, brings this layered story that includes a subtle lesson about friendship to life. A great summer read!

[Tanya Konerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This playful rhyming picture book encourages readers to have a great time building a sandcastle with a friend, with helpful prose sidebars featuring “Five Star Tips” from a friendly starfish. From finding the perfect spot not too close to the water, to building a solid base, using what’s at hand as tools, and adding lovely ocean-gifted decorations as the finishing touches, each step is shown via delightful felt art illustrations to spotlight creativity, teamwork, and patience. What a fun day at the beach!

[Lusine Torossian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful picture book on building sandcastles is a perfect beach companion for children of all skill levels, from curious beginners to experienced builders. The author provides accessible, practical tips that make sandcastle construction approachable for young readers, while the whimsical illustrations bring the joy of beach creativity to life on every page. The combination of useful advice and charming visuals makes this book both educational and entertaining—ideal for inspiring children's next seaside adventure.

[Louise Aamodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book holds buckets of fun! From the 3D artwork to the spot-on rhyming meter, any kid (or adult!) who's ever played in sand will want to amp up their game after reading this book. I also like the subtle themes of teamwork and getting active in nature. My favorite parts, though, are the sidebars offering helpful STEM tips about the importance of compacting the foundation, using water to bond sand grains together, not harming wildlife by leaving deep holes, and more. Readers will want to apply their new knowledge and enthusiasm, so prepare to get gritty!

[J.C. Kato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even this older, Florida resident learned something new about sandcastle making in this book. The rhyming was fun, “Chunky columns, low and strong; slender turrets, slim and long.” The side notes were informative. And the illustrations begged to be touched. They looked so real!

Something to gift to anyone, especially friends and family bound for a beach vacation. My one-year-old grandson kept trying to pick up the yellow starfish that smiled up at him on almost every page.

A book filled with warmth and happiness.

[LJ Todaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meyer turns the how-to genre inside out by combining verse rhymes to tell a story (about two friends who build a sand castle) with “five star tips” from a jaunty starfish that fills in the engineering details. After the two children build a solid foundation and add towers they begin to add the flourishes: “Chisel window. Etch a door, stairs that wind from floor to floor.” They landscape, build a moat, and even learn how wildlife might be affected by digging sand holes. Musil’s sewn felt fabric illustrations add whimsy to this delightful summer read.

[Crazyaboutkidsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love to build a sandcastle? This fun (and informative!) book, filled with tips on how to create the perfect castle, will make the perfect beach vacation pre-trip read. Meyer’s rhyming text flows beautifully when read aloud—and can we talk about this art? WOW! Musil’s collage work is masterful and absolutely adorable. Kids will find both the text and the art irresistible! Makes me long for a beach day!

[Stephanie Gibeault · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rhyming picture book that instructs young readers on how to build a sandcastle is an absolute delight. The text bounces along and is so fun to read aloud. Plus, there are sidebars from a starfish who provides extra advice to ensure you create a one-of-a-kind sandcastle and lasting memories of your day at the beach. The felt collage illustrations are adorable and capture the seaside fun perfectly. Now I can’t wait to get to the beach!

[Dodie Langham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful book! Eileen Meyer has a unique way of storytelling through rhyme and using STEM to guide children of any age to use their imagination and creativity while building sandcastles at the beach. Illustrator Manica Musil's distinctive style with her sewn-felt artistry adds a special touch page after page. A must read! Children will love this story about building sandcastles with friends!

[Julie Phend · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s more fun than spending a day at the beach creating your own sandcastle? Build a Sandcastle by Eileen Rajala Meyer is a charming picture book that features a fun rhyming text with colorful sewn-felt illustrations by Monica Musil. STEM sandcastle-building techniques offered by an expert starfish (who’s seen many a castle collapse in his years on the beach) ensure that children can construct the creative castle of their dreams. Highly recommended!

[Carmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Build a Sandcastle is a wonderful rhyming story by Eileen Meyer about sharing a fun day at the beach with a friend. The language is engaging and lively, and illustrator Manica Musil manages to imbue all the characters with unique personalities via her mixed-media art. I LOVE the clever starfish who offers informative "5-star" STEM tips about working with sand. The book is a marvelous read aloud that will have young listeners begging to visit the beach!

[Jessica Stremer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely adorable. With rhyming text that adds a layer of fun and playfulness, Build a Sandcastles will leaving you wanting to find the nearest beach and start building. There's an extra layer of text narrated by a sea star (five-star tips - so clever!). The art is diverse and unique, adding an extra layer of appeal. Highly recommend!

[KB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a topic that makes all of us want to be kids again - or maybe to go out and build a sand castle no matter our age! The rhyme is catchy and the construction tips from the friendly starfish are so practical. This book is enjoyable for all ages and with it's sweet illustrations it invites the imagination right to the warm and sunny beach!

[Diane Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is a great read-aloud for young students. It contains the perfect amount of rhyming verse on each page paired with animated and detailed, unique felt art which students find interesting to analyze. Each page is grouped with "Five-Star Tips" from a sea star, giving the readers great ideas on how to build a sand castle of their own.

[Rebecca Hirsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delight! Kid-friendly rhymes and adorable collage art go perfectly together, inviting kids to build a sandcastle of their own. Readers even learn some basic science about sand and water, along with helpful construction skills. Bring this book the next time you take your child to the beach!

[Carrie Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bouncy rhythms of this book celebrating a day at the beach, plus additional building tips, will inspire readers on their next sandcastle building adventure. The illustrations feature adorable felted and embroidered fabrics collaged together to create beachy scenes filled with fun and friendship.

[Sandhya Acharya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book! Fun rhyme will seamlessly introduce the reader to how to build a sand castle. Sidebars give lots of interesting information. Illustrations are so interesting and fun with a collage like feel.

[Janet Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Build a Sandcastle celebrates a day at the beach filled with friendship, fun, and creativity. Readers of all ages will appreciate the beautiful language, stunning artwork, and helpful tips for constructing the ideal sandcastle.

[Megan Clendenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cute book will get kids excited about a day on the beach to build a sandcastle. Written in rhyme, it will make a great read-aloud! With lots of helpful hints and fabulous distinctive art, it would make a great gift.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique fabric art and sunny, summery rhyme make this how-to book a beach day hit. Playful main text paired with “five-star tips” from a starfish are a fun combination and keep the reader wondering what tip we will get next. Additional back matter is a bonus!

[Michelle Schaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollicking, sandy romp! This rhyming picture book is the perfect read aloud before a day at the beach. You’ll learn some great tips for building a sandcastle while having fun with a friend. The fabric art is super original and a great match for the lively text.

[Leslie Barnard Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, rhyming picture book about how to build a sand castle. Engaging and kid-friendly, it will help hesitant builders have the confidence to try their hand at castle construction! Cloth collage illustrations invite young readers in and buoyant text makes for a joyful read.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the rhyming song, song of the story but really enjoyed the “5 Star Tips” for building sand castles! A crossover book! The art was exceptional! I loved the fabrics and embroidery and felt designs. Every image was magical

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this book full of interesting illustrations, but young readers will enjoy a step-by-step rhyming guide to building a sandcastle. Starfish's tips add to the charm.

[Natalie Rompella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an adorable book. Kids will love reading about building a sandcastle and can use all the tips to build their own!

[Kirsten Pendreigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to rush out and build a sandcastle after reading this delightful, instructive, and adorable book. The lovely rhyming text is paired with sweet stitched-collage art. Perfect summer read!