Paradise Sands: A Story of Enchantment

Judges' comments

Paradise Sands is an old story told new. A fairytale nightmare. A parable as old as time about how desire can become spell-like, sometimes requiring great bravery to be broken. Four children are on a quest to free their mother from an unspoken ailment. Their search for flowers leads to a trail of temptation. A little sister must choose sacrifice over comfort to free her brothers. Paradise Sands teaches us that loving those closest to us may involve selflessness, risk or personal cost.

The metallic, muted tone of the illustrations evokes an almost menacing atmosphere, provoking feelings of unease and discomfort. It is a powerful reminder that the great picture books of the world often tell difficult and demanding stories. Stories that resonate long after being told. With a wicked final twist, Levi Pinfold sends readers back to revisit Paradise Sands, their added knowledge telling a new story.