The Tale of the Sands reminds us that change is the very essence of life - and to embrace it. Beautifully illustrated to engage children and to encourage them to think creatively.

A stream travelling from the mountains, through valleys and across plains, comes at last to a hot, mighty desert. Here it finds its progress blocked. No matter how hard it tries, its waters simply vanish into the sands. A mysterious voice tells the stream that it can continue on its journey. But to do so, it must change its form and accept the help of the wind.

Will the stream listen? Or will it remain stuck and, slowly but surely, form into a stagnant, mucky swamp?

Idries Shah published many hundreds of Sufi teaching-stories drawn from the rich cultural heritage of Eastern lands, including his own home, Afghanistan. Fun and entertaining, yet infused with Aesopian wisdom, Shah's beautifully illustrated children's books enshrine stories which increase our understanding, flexibility, and breadth of vision.

'Shah's versatile and multilayered tales provoke fresh insight and more flexible thought in children.' Bookbird: A Journal of International Children's Literature.

'These enchanting stories...have a richness and depth not often encountered in children's literature, and their effect on minds young and old can be almost magical.' Multicultural Perspectives: An Official Journal of the National Association for Multicultural Education (USA)