A dreamy coastal beach at golden hour with paw prints in the sand
Coastal children's stories

Sandy paws, salty waves, and stories worth telling.

Welcome to ACKSandyPaws — the seaside home of the Sandy Paws book series. Follow the paw prints to adventure, friendship, and the gentle magic of the shore.

Book One • By Hilary L. Dufficy

Paws in the Sand

by Hilary L. Dufficy

Lilly, an adventurous German Shorthaired Pointer, and Mater, a cheerful Golden Retriever, set out to explore Nantucket's beaches. Between splashing in the waves, digging in the sand, and discovering seashells, they uncover a mysterious old key — one that leads them to Mr. Jee and the legend of Captain Marlin's hidden treasure. Together, Lilly and Mater follow the clues and find that treasure can hold stories and memories rather than gold or jewels.

  • Set on the beaches of Nantucket
  • Featuring Lilly the German Shorthaired Pointer & Mater the Golden Retriever
  • A tale of friendship, teamwork, curiosity & helping one another
  • Perfect for ages 3–8
Full book jacket for Paws in the Sand by Hilary L. Dufficy featuring Lilly and Mater on Nantucket beach at sunset
Available now • Full jacket preview
Sandy Paws and the Ghost of Lilly Girl illustration featuring puppy Maizie on the beach gazing at seagulls over the ocean
New release
Book Two

Sandy Paws and the Ghost of Lilly Girl

Maizie is a young puppy, brand-new to Nantucket, standing at the water's edge where the waves whisper in and out. When a soft glow rises beyond the surf, a shimmering dog steps gently onto the shore — Lilly Girl, the beloved German Shorthaired Pointer from the first adventure, now a kind and guiding spirit. Together they face the waves, and Maizie learns that courage is just one brave step forward — and that love doesn't go away, it simply changes how we find it.

  • Introducing Maizie — the newest Sandy Paws pup
  • Lilly Girl returns as a gentle, shimmering spirit from the sea
  • A tender ghost story about courage & everlasting love
  • Perfect for ages 3–8
Meet the Dogs

The Sandy Paws Family

Four good dogs, four big hearts. Tap a paw — or use the arrows — to get to know the friends who make every Nantucket adventure worth telling.

Lilly, German Shorthaired Pointer, from the Sandy Paws book series

Lilly

German Shorthaired Pointer

The adventurous one

Lilly

Featured in Paws in the Sand

Lilly is an adventurous German Shorthaired Pointer with a nose for mystery and a heart full of curiosity. She leads the way across Nantucket's beaches, always first to spot a clue — like the mysterious old key that started it all.

BraveCuriousLoyal

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About the Author

Stories told by the sea

Hilary L. Dufficy

ACKSandyPaws was born on the shores of Nantucket, inspired by real sandy paws, salty breezes, and the loyal dogs who make every beach walk an adventure. Created by Hilary L. Dufficy, the Sandy Paws series celebrates friendship, curiosity, Nantucket's maritime charm, and the lasting memories we make with the companions who touch our hearts.

Warm & gentle

Stories full of light

Coastal at heart

Set by the sea

Made with love

For little readers

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Have a question about the books, want to arrange a school or event visit, or just want to share a sandy-paw story? I'd love to hear from you.

By the sea

Coastal stories, sent with love from the shore.