Book Description
Based on a true story, the author humorously recounts the time his grandfather got stranded with a friend on Surtsey, a brand new volcanic island in Iceland. The adventurers face epic challenges like molten lava, melted eyeglasses and scant supplies before finally getting rescued. Graphic novel-like layouts and spirited text invite readers to search for the one thing that's not actually true in this thrilling yet light-hearted tale of adventure. Endnotes include information about volcanoes, Icelandic culture and Norse mythology.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Stranded! A MOSTLY True Story From Iceland' by Ævar Þór Benediktsson and illustrated by Anne Wilson.
Read and reviewed paperback for Ævar Þór Benediktsson, Anne Wilson, Barefoot Books, Netgalley amd Literally PR.
Publication date: 8th August 2023
This is the first book we have read by this author but it definitely won't be out last!!!
We all really enjoyed this absolutely fantastic and beautiful illustrated children's book as a family. The storyline is unique which is very difficult to find when it comes to children's books and we all loved the fact that it is actually based on a true story about the time his grandfather got stranded with a friend an a brand new volcanic island in Iceland. It is filled with adventure, humour, jokes, fascinating information and absolutely stunning illustrations!!!! We all loved the note at the beginning stating that 'Everything in this story is true, except for one little thing. See if you can spot it!!' This just added so much fun to the book and we were all trying to work out what it was that wasn't true and loving the fact that we were being told we were wrong each time (which makes a change as none of us normally like being told we are wrong!!). We never did guess what it was and it was absolutely hilarious!!! I love the fact that not only is this book fun, beautifully written and stunningly illustrated but also that we all learnt so much from it which is a huge bonus for myself as a mum when it comes to books!!! At the back of the book, after the fantastic story, the author has included two pages dedicated to Iceland, Surtsey and Volcanos, half a page of facts, half a page of information of the legend of Surtsey's tomatoes and a page dedicated to Norse mythology. My partner and son love watching the marvel films so I had lots of fun quizzing them on the mythology page!! The illustrations are absolutely stunning, eye catching and with loads of objects to point out, describe and discuss with your children. It really is a fun fact filled book that would make a fantastic gift or stocking filler for by child!! to read and perfect with Christmas just around the corner. It wasn't just myself that enjoyed reading it but my 10 year old son and also one of my 5 year old twin boys. It was written in a way that is easy for children and adults to read and we all took it in turns to read a page (my other twin boy is non-verbal, they both have autism).
Malaki and Hunter loved looking and naming all the different items in the background. We had lots of fun naming all the different things that the children could see in the photos and naming all the objects. It is a fantastic book and I would say it is suitable for any child and adult from 5 years and older. This book is lovely and short and can be a quick read or be made into a fun long read whichever the reader wishes. The font is a nice style and size making it easy for adults and children to see and read too which is definitely a bonus as I have struggled with some fonts that authors have used in children's books in the past. It would be a great book for children to be read to by their teachers in school as well as friends and family members. Let your children's imaginations come alive with this amazing , fun and informative book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Ævar Þór Benediktsson to my children and hope that he is busy writing and Anne Wilson illustrating the next one already!
My 10 year old son Malaki had this to say about this book:
I really loved reading this book. I learned loads of new things about Iceland and Surtsey, which I had never heard of before. I actually went into school and told my teachers all about it and when I went to Scouts I told them too and some of the teachers didn't know about it either!!! It was really fun guessing what wasn't true in the story and it made me laugh when I found out. Some of my favourite parts was learning about Iceland and Surtsey, learning more about mythology, how funny the book was and the amazing pictures and photos. It was a really fun and funny story and the pictures were really bright and colourful!!! I really enjoyed reading it to my brothers who are 5 year old and loved showing them the pictures which they liked too.
Amazon rates this book suitable for children 6-10 years old. I would rate from 5 to 13 years old to adults!!!
Congratulations Ævar Þór Benediktsson on writing an absolutely fantastic book and Anne Wilson for the stunning illustrations. Here is to both of your next success'!! 🥂
Overall a beautifully illustrated, fun, humorous and informative children's book!
32 pages
This book is just £7.99 to purchase in paperback and £11.16 in paperback via Amazon at time of review.
Rated 5/5 ( We all loved it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Author Bio
Ævar Þór Benediktsson is one of Iceland‘s most popular authors. He is also known for launching nationwide reading challenges to encourage Icelandic children and teenagers to read more. In 2017 Ævar was chosen as one of the Aarhus39 – a collection of the 39 best emerging writers for young people from across Europe. He is the author of more than 30 published books and also Iceland‘s first UNICEF Ambassador.
Illustrator Bio
Anne Wilson was born on Ascension Island, a volcano in the South Atlantic. Her work is inspired by everyday life and traveling. The images she creates are constructed in layers, starting with drawing, mark making and printing, these are then manipulated in Photoshop. Anne has an MA in illustration from St Martins College of Art, London and has been an illustrator for over 20 years. She has illustrated many projects, including Red Alert! and Invisible Nature (Otterbarry Books), Backwards Science (Quarto) and Stranded! A mostly True Story from Iceland (Barefoot Books).
Purchase Links
Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/ePJAs5Q
