Sin Bin Island - an unmissable adventure from the Red Dwarf co-creator

When Jack Winston Claremont Digby - Digs to his friends - finds himself with the family solicitor after the death of his mum, stepfather and sister, he has no idea how strange things are about to become. He has been left a set of Russian nesting dolls and discovers that, instead of being taken care of by family friend, Mrs O'Malley, he is to be sent to the Cyril Snigg's Correctional Orphanage for Wayward Boys and Girls. The doll, it turns out, opens to reveal instructions to help him navigate his now uncertain future - and Digs is going to need all the help he can get to survive the bizarre lessons, systems and punishments of his new school. At the end of each year, the four worst-behaved pupils are sent to Sin Bind Island, a terrifying place where they must survive for a week . . .

As a huge Red Dwarf fan, I was very keen to read Sin Bin Island as its author, Doug Naylor, is one of the creators of that excellent series. Fast paced, packed with adventure and full of humour, the story is every bit as good as I hoped it would be! The first part of the book focuses on Digs arrival at the Cyril Snigg's Correctional Orphanage for Wayward Boys and Girls, or 'Cowbag' as the pupils call it, following his fortunes as he builds friendships and learns more about the orphanage, its creation and its secrets.

Digs is a thoroughly likeable character, determined to do his best in the face of adversity, loyal and kind-hearted. Baffled by the decision which has landed him at this very odd school, he wastes no time moping, but quickly makes friends - and learns who to avoid. These friendships will stand him in good stead when he has to face the horrors of Sin Bin island!

Although the story shares many of the expected elements of a boarding school story, it is peppered with original twists. The second half of the book tackles the children's experiences on Sin Bin Island. Full of peril and excitement, the story romps along to its conclusion which leaves plenty of scope for future adventures for Digs and his friends.

The layered plot and pleasing pace make this story perfect for those looking for a more challenging and very entertaining read from ages nine upwards. Can't wait for the next one!

400 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Well, what an adventure! Sin Bin Island, written by the co-creator of Red Dward is, as you'd probably expect, full of action, humour and warmth with characters who could step out of the pages. I loved it.

When orphaned Jack Digby is sent to Cyril Sniggs's Correctional Orphanage for Wayward Boys and Girls, he soon realises this isn't an ordinary orphanage or school; it feels more like a place where you'd learn to be a pirate and the teachers are just as cut-throat and bloodthirsty as any real pirate might be. Jack is, though, fortunate to make some good friends and when they find themselves sent to Sin Bin Island - 'Sin Bin' as it's where the worst-performing students are sent - the reason they survive is because of their firm friendship and teamwork. As the friends become closer, they also decide to see if they can solve the mystery of some missing pirate treasure!

A lot happens in this adventure and there are many layers to explore as clues emerge about the treasure's possible existence, as well as discovering who build the orphanage and why Jack and his friends might have been sent there. At 400 pages it isn't a quick read, but it is a very entertaining one - humour, warmth and the filmic setting fill the pages as Jack and his friends survive one harrowing event after another. By the end, though, their firm friendship and the skills they have developed along the way give you the confidence that they will survive Sin Bin Island - and, indeed, solve some mysteries along the way.

With giant sea creatures, magical objects and of course treasure to find, there is also a fantastical element that brings another layer to the story and which will absorb young readers further in this creative and imaginative world-building. Masterfully told, Sin Bin Island is for readers who want an entertaining, slightly longer read, with enough action and adventure to keep them absorbed from the first to the very last pages. It's great fun - enjoy the ride! 400 pages / Reviewed by Elen Green

Suggested Reading Age 9+