The Sea and The Sand

By Daniel Johnson

This is a story about two young turtles who always dreamed of seeing another world. Henry, a sea turtle, has always looked out from the sea and saw lights shining behind the dunes and wondered what they were. Davie, the land turtle, is the opposite. He has heard many stories of turtles living in the sea and wants nothing more than to see the under water life. One night, their wishes come true. Henry now gets to walk the boardwalk over the beach and feel the hard ground as he runs. Davie sees the wonderful, bright world of a reef. The two turtles could not be happier. Until they realize they can only switch for a day. If they do not return back to the beach by midnight, they will stuck in their new body forever. The turtles race back not to miss their deadline but they must fight time, cars, and sharks, if they want to return home. In the end, both turtles see the grass is not always greener on the other side and there's nothing wrong with being who you are. Along the way they meet new animals, make new friends, and learn to love who and what they are.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daniel Johnson
• Release date: Jan 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311389978

Daniel Johnson

Dr. Daniel Johnson is a researcher in the characterisation and development of membranes for water treatment, surface forces, osmometry and water treatment using membrane osmosis based processes.

Book preview

The Sea and The Sand

Blue waves pushed their way up on white sands. Every wave got just a little farther than the last. Splashing in the white foam, were families and friends, laughing and playing. A Frisbee hovered in the air as a clumsy dog crashed into a chair, toppled it over and woke young woman who had fallen asleep in the hot summer sun. Towards the dunes were little holes where sand crabs would hide until night, when they would sneak out while the seagulls slept. Further up, on top of these dunes amongst the mossy grass stood a turtle. A small green turtle, somewhat out of place standing high above the white sand. Born near a river, his stumpy legs and sharp claws were made to walk on hard dirt and through thick mud. Gazing out at the open sea he was lost. Captivated by the dolphins jumping through the water.

Davie! Get down from there before a seagull gets you! A shrill voice called out.

He turned to see another small, green turtle down on the other side of the dune standing by the street. Her name was Bell.

Yeah, yeah, Davie mumbled as he started climbing down the dune.

What were you doing up there? She asked him as he got closer.

Don’t you ever wonder what it’s like out there, Bell?

Out where? She replied. The ocean? You mean you’re still thinking about all that?

No, it’s just... He paused and looked back at the dunes. It’s nothing. Let’s just go home.

Okay... She said making a face. Race you home.

They ran down the street, each trying to get there before the other. Home was a glass box in a pet shop on the corner of Seashell Boulevard. Five feet long and four feet wide Davie had been there a year and would have conversations with the birds that would come up to the window sill. One in particular, a white and grey pelican named Mackerel,