Enchanted Beach

By Author / Illustrator

Esther Freud, illus Emma Chinnery

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books

ISBN

9781529533965

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

02-07-2026

Synopsis

Acclaimed novelist Esther Freud's first picture book - a timeless tale about the magic of spending time together at the seaside.

From treasure hunts in spring, summer days spent playing on the beach, flying kites in autumn and walking through buffeting winter storms, the magic of the beach is that it changes with the seasons and we change with it. From tiny moments playing in the sand to bigger milestones of birthdays or New Year Day swims, this is an evocative celebration of making memories as a family.

The timeless story from Esther Freud, with heart-warming illustrations, is one to share again and again to remember the magic of childhood and your own special moments at the beach.

"A beautiful, magical book that captures childhood at the seaside." Emma Chichester Clark. "An evocative, timeless and heart-warming celebration of your own special moments at the beach." Lancashire Evening Post

Reviews

Sue

Charting the seasonal joys and wonders of the seaside, Enchanted Beach is an absolute joy! Evocative illustrations and lyrical text combine to create a wonderful sharing experience.

Gentle rhyming text builds a picture of a little boy's adventures on the beach. Whatever the weather, this is a magical place, offering endless opportunities for imaginative play, fun with family and friends and wonderful experiences. Full of ideas to inspire trips to the beach whatever the weather, the story is a real celebration, not only of a special place, but of the joys of childhood.

The illustrations are simply stunning, real works of art to be lingered over and savoured. You can almost feel the wind whipping their hair around, hear the wash of the waves and taste the salty sea spray as time passes and the memories build. The final picture shows the boy, older now, but still accompanied by their faithful canine companion, returning to his enchanted beach.

Over the summer holidays, this book could inspire children to create a simple scrap book charting - not the expensive trips abroad or to theme parks - but the the simple everyday adventures which they can have in their own gardens or in their locality, focusing on the imaginative and creative, getting outdoors and exploring, finding their own enchanted places!

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher