This is a magical adventure story for young kids to enjoy. The main plot is to trace or find the stolen pirate ship. The story begins by introducing the main characters Lottie, Mia, Finn and Biscuit the dog. Like all children, they enjoy playing together and allowing their imagination to run free along the shores of Branksea Island. Lottie and Finn explore an old shipwreck and engage in a game of pirates. Mia is a dreamier character, and she collects seashells and pretends to be a mermaid.
Then the unimaginable happens, a twist. The boat disappears, much to the disappointment of the three children. The hunt for the missing boat begins. At first, the children think that the waves washed it out to sea but with a closer study of the shore, they realise that the water doesn’t reach that far. So, they plan a hunt to get their beloved boat back.
Every eventuality is covered right down to snacks in case they get hungry. This journey involves searching every area of Branksea Island. They find the area so busy especially the pier, with boats, surfboards and many people bustling about. It’s hard for them to see anything, never mind the boat. But what the children didn’t realise is that the boat had been rescued by a local artist called Annie.
Lottie, Finn and Mia have one last challenge to let Annie know how much they love the boat. Lottie being a true leader comes up with a plan and Annie returns the boat, a very bright, colourful boat for the children to enjoy.
This is a wonderful, imaginative story of adventure, friendship and it is beautifully illustrated. Young children will be engaged to the very end.
I really enjoyed every part of this story and my favourite part was when Annie so kindly decorated the boat and returned it to the shore for the children to enjoy their adventures once more.
Score 10/10
By Mary Cassidy and the pupils of Rang 2, Scoil na gCailíní, Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan.
“Lottie and the Stolen Pirate Ship” by Erika Mc Gann, published by O’Brien Press, is on sale now for €14.99 (H/B).
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher, O’Brien Press, free of charge to Seomra Ranga for the purposes of this review.
