Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
Books about parents who spend a lot of time being crazy explorers recklessly becoming lost or stolen, leaving their sons to have to rescue them seems to be a popular theme. Here though it is done right. The Crisp family like an adventure. Until the day that realize they’ve explored everything there is to explore. Time to settle down. Oliver, the ten year old son, is thrilled. He’s never had a home before. He’s never been to a real school. Explore volcanoes? Getting chased by gators? Sure, he’s done that. That’s not the same as playing with kids your own age though. Still, when you have lived the kinds of lives the Crisps have, something is bound to go wrong when you try to settle down. Something that leads to, what else, a new adventure!
This time, however, Oliver and his parents are forced to be apart during the adventure. Oliver’s parents are missing and he must find them. Aided by a mermaid, a bird, and an island Oliver is on an adventure that he’s never seen before. Oh, and don’t worry there is an enemy to deal with. A few enemies really -- an island and its inhabitants don’t want Oliver to complete this adventure.
Fast, fun, and to the point. The big “3rd act battle” is not full of silly filler. Great for kids of all ages.
* Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in order to review it. I offered no guarantee of a positive review, though I only request books I think I'll like because why read a book you think you’ll hate?
