Ariki and the Island of Wonders

By Author / Illustrator

Nicola Davies, Nicola Kinnear

Genre

Environment

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books Ltd

ISBN

9781406369809

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

04-07-2019

Synopsis

After getting lost at sea in a tropical storm, Ariki and Ipo discover an uncharted island and have a great adventure in the second book of the Ariki series.

Ariki and Ipo are making the most of a beautiful day, sailing the sea near Turtle Island on a "borrowed" boat. They're too busy daydreaming to spot the grey clouds gathering overhead - but then a terrible storm breaks, carrying them miles from home.

After days without food or drink, they are washed up on an unfamiliar island. The island is beautiful beyond belief: they see butterflies, each one lovelier than the last, lizards chasing across the rocks and, most wonderful of all, a gigantic blue bird with eyes that glow purple. When they meet another castaway, however, the children discover this island is no paradise - there are dangers lurking in the shadows!

A nail-biting adventure with a strong message about endangered animals and human intervention, and a wonderful partner to Ariki and the Giant Shark.

"Zoologist Davies's love of the natural world shines through in this wonderful book... Davies's prose is so evocative you can almost feel the sand beneath your toes." Mail on Sunday on Ariki and the Giant Shark.

Reviews

Moana fans will be thrilled at this series of short reads by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Nicola Kinnear, from Walker Books. Suitable for younger, beginner readers who love adventure stories, with settings inspired by the Polynesian coastline. In the second book of the series Ariki, who belongs to the ocean 'heart and soul', and best friend Ipo are making the most of a stunning day sailing the sea near Turtle Island, when unexpectedly a terrifying storm erupts, taking them a considerable distance from home. After days without food or water, the two friends wash up on an unknown beach. Full of life, the new island offers an adventure of its own with birds adorned with bright blue feathers. But they are not alone on the island, finding another castaway, they soon realise the island is not as it first appeared, and they must face the 'dangers in the shadows' before embarking on their journey home. This book would be most suited to younger readers or those who simply love to escape on adventures in the sea. I would recommend this book to children aged 7+ as independent reads or shared stories with a younger audience. Stunning illustrations really bring this book to life and allow the reader to immerse themselves in the heart of the adventure. Be swept away with Ariki as she ventures into the sea! 96 pages / Ages 7+ / Reviewed by Kelly Buxton, teacher