"Do we have everything?" asks Matthew's dad.

"NO!" yelled Matthew.

"No?" said his dad.

"No!" said Matthew. "We don't have dog."

"Dog?" said his dad.

"We don't even OWN a dog!"

"I know," said Matthew. "Now would be a good time to get a dog."

Matthew wants to take his sandbox too, but his dad assures him there will be a sandy beach where they're going. Once they arrive, Matthew meets a girl making a big sandcastle and a big sand dog as part of a contest. Matthew is determined to create something so wonderful, the judges will think it's real.

When he wins, Matthew shares his prize with his new friend and her giant sand dog.

And when Matthew returns back to his mom and dad with his own sand dog, they're so relieved it's a small dog, they let him keep it. With classic Munsch wit and Martchenko style, The Sandcastle Contest is a fun-filled story -- perfect to read at home or on the beach!