Lençóis Maranhenses

Imagine a big, soft blanket made of white sand. It stretches as far as you can see, all warm and squishy under your toes. But wait, what is that peeking out. Hidden between the sandy hills are little pools of cool, sparkly water. It’s a happy surprise. I am a special place in Brazil called Lençóis Maranhenses. That is a very big name that means the bedsheets of Maranhão because I look like a giant, cozy bed.

My best friends are the Wind and the Rain. The Wind loves to play games with me. Whoosh. He blows my sand all around and piles it up into big, soft hills. Then, my friend the Rain comes to visit me every year. Pitter-patter, pitter-patter. The Rain fills up all the empty spots between my sandy hills with clear, cool water for everyone to enjoy. A long time ago, on June 2nd, 1981, some very kind people said I was so special that I needed to be kept safe forever. They made me a National Park, so everyone can visit and see how beautiful I am.

When the Rain fills my pools, something magical happens. Tiny little fish appear and swim around. Chirp, chirp. Pretty birds fly down to say hello and take a little drink. The best part is when children come to play with their families. They laugh and splash in my cool water. Whee. They slide down my warm, sandy hills like it is a giant playground. I love to hear their happy shouts. I am a wonderland of sand and rain, here to show you that our world is full of beautiful surprises.