“Best Bets for Kids” the Providence Journal, by Peter Mandel, September 2, 2001

The vast majority of local authors and artists (and Rhode Island’s lone children’s publisher) produce high quality kids’ books that come out without a great deal of fanfare. Here are a few that I think are worth a look:
The latest picture book from North Kingstown-based Moon Mountain Publishing, Brian Lies’ Hamlet and the Magnificent Sandcastle, is an absolute delight. “The world’s biggest sandcastle,” teases the front flap, “What could go wrong?”
Well, since the thing is constructed by a puffed-up optimistic pig named Hamlet, quite a lot (including the fact that it gets surrounded and buffeted by a dangerous tide). A porcupine named Quince plays Eyore to Hamlet’s Pooh, and even though Quince keeps warning his friend about potential sandcastle-building dangers and errors, he drops off the sleep in his canvas chair instead of keeping watch.
“The sandcastle grew bigger and bigger,” writes Lies, who lives near the sea [on Boston’s South Shore] and whose watery, hazy paintings tinge the story with a Sorcerer’s Apprentice-style sense of apprehension. “Hamlet dug a deep moat and carved out tunnels, winding stairways and a secret passage. He made an underground dungeon with driftwood bars on the door, and built a treasure room, a kitchen and stables.” And, ulp, then the real beach fun begins.

School Library Journal, June, 2001

Contrary to his namesake, Hamlet is an optimistic, irrepressible young pig with lots of grandiose ideas. His friend Quince is a porcupine of pessimistic tendencies. Here, the friends take a trip to the beach, and Hamlet’s enthusiastic building of a giant sand castle lands them in trouble when the tide comes in and they are marooned on the crumbling edifice. Quince thinks fast, using his beach umbrella and chair to rescue them. Back on the train, fortified with hot chocolate, Hamlet begins to plan their next adventure, much to Quince’s dismay. Lies’ cartoon watercolor illustrations humorously enrich the text. For example, the castle has animal gargoyles and seaweed flags with sand pigs in armor guarding the halls, and Quince’s pail is appropriately named “Total Eclipse.” The story will appeal immensely to most youngsters (and adults) who like to build in the sand.

CHILDREN'S BOOKWATCH / Midwest Book Review, March 2001

Hamlet the pig is on vacation at the seaside with his good friend Quince the porcupine. Hamlet's ambition is to build the biggest, best sandcastle ever made! He succeeds (and how!) but then Hamlet discovers why sandcastles don’t last very long. In Hamlet And The Magnificent Sandcastle, Brian Lies combines a positive gift for storytelling with warm and talented illustrations to provide young readers with a thoroughly enjoyable picturebook experience.

Cindy Penn/ Wordweaving.com

When the impetuous Hamlet builds a marvelous sandcastle upon the beach, complete with dungeons and secret tunnels, he neglects to pay attention to the time or weather. His cautious friend Quince doses on the beach, only waking when a wave splashes him. As a day of fun turns into a day of danger, Quince rushes to the castle before it crumbles to find his friend. Only cooperation and inventiveness will save these friends from certain disaster.
Hamlet and the Magnificent Sandcastle is one of those amusing, memorable tales that children will plead for again and again. Amid the humor of building sandcastles upon the beach, however, lies a message of friendship and cooperation, presented subtly enough within the tale to avoid becoming didactic or boring. With marvelous illustrations and an adorable porcupine, Hamlet and the Magnificent Sandcastle comes very highly recommended.

Boston Sunday Herald, July 8, 2001

Hamlet and the Magnificent Sandcastle (Moon Mountain Publishing, $15.95; ages 5-8) by Brian Lies is a fabulous book about friendship. Hamlet is outgoing and brash while Quince is reserved, and always worried. When Hamlet wants to build the biggest sandcastle in the world, Quince sets his alarm clock, warns Hamlet that he thinks the sandcastle is too close to the ocean and starts looking for danger. Unfortunately, the soft purr of the waves and warm sun put him to sleep. When Quince wakes up, he is surrounded by water. Quince quickly wades out to warn Hamlet, and they work together to get back to shore. A warm beach tale about two friends who, though different, complement each other’s personalities perfectly.

Family Life, August, 2001

Any kid will enjoy sitting on the shore and reading about how Hamlet the pig plans to build the world’s biggest sand castle. His pessimistic buddy, Quince the porcupine, sits the project out, then panics when a strong tide approaches. The pair must team up, combining their strengths of enthusiasm and caution, to save the day. The illustrations are as charming as the happy ending.