An elderly Japanese man shares his secrets of the natural world with two young Japanese children in a story that blends their growing appreciation of nature with their deepening understanding of another human being. Taro has always liked Jiro-san, but his sister, Yuko, things the old man is weird. Taro thinks Yuko might be right after all the day he arrives at the beach to find Jiro-san sweeping the sand in preparation for the arrival of his "friends."But Jiro-san's friends turn out to be giant loggerhead turtles, and the children are thrilled to witness their arrival on the beach and the laying of their eggs, and later the hatching of the babies. A charming story that appreciates the mysteries of human nature and the larger world is illustrated with quiet, full-color paintings that span each two-page spread. (Ages 5-8)

Old Jiro-San sits on the beach listening to the wind, sweeping the sand with a broom, and waiting, always waiting. Some people think he is a little strange, but Taro is fascinated by the old wise man and his wonderful secrets. And when Jiro-San reveals that some special friends -- Japanese sea turtles that are ready to lay their eggs -- are on their way to the beach, Taro and his sister Yuko help Jiro-San prepare for them. Based on a true story, this charming picture book features an endnote about sea turtles and an endorsement by the leader of Marine Turtle Research Program at the United States National Marine Fisheries Service.