A boy and a bear go to sea, equipped with a suitcase, a comic book and a ukulele. They are only travelling a short distance and it really shouldn't take long. But their journey doesn't quite go to plan . . .

Faced with turbulent storms, a terrifying sea monster and the rank remains of a very dangerous sandwich, the odds are against our unlikely heroes. Will the Harriet, their trusted vessel, withstand the violent lashings of the salty waves? And will anyone ever answer their message in a bottle?

Brilliantly funny and tender, this beautiful book maps the growth of a truly memorable friendship and explores how, when all else is lost, the most unexpected joys can be found.

Charming, entertaining and utterly original: this book will leave every reader with a huge grin across their face.

About the Author
Born and raised in Leicester, Dave now lives in Cambridge with Pam, Mila and a cat whose name is too stupid to reveal in public. He likes comics, cricket, crosswords and talking to cartoonists about pens. His comic strip Good Dog, Bad Dog appeared in The DFC Comic and the Guardian, and is collected in book form by David Fickling Books.

Reviews
Rich in atmosphere and gently humorous, this is a delightful small-scale but epic adventure . . . A book to savour -- Julia Eccleshare
Very special * Guardian *
Just occasionally, a gentle funny little book pops up in which the story, tone, illustrations and even cover are so perfectly attuned to each other, and to the children for whom it is intended, that it lifts one's spirits. This is such a book * The Daily Mail *
A charming journey of discovery at sea for eight year olds and above * The Daily Telegraph *
One of the most original children's books I've ever read -- Philip Reeve


Awards
Winner of BRANFORD BOASE 2013 (UK) and The Kitschies Red Tentacle Award 2015 (UK). Short-listed for Costa Childrens Book Award 2013 (UK) and BASH Primary 2013 (UK). Long-listed for Carnegie Medal 2013 (UK) and Kate Greenaway Medal 2013 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9780440870746
Author Dave Shelton
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Yearling (imprint of Random House Children's Books)
Publisher Penguin Random House Children's UK
Weight(grams) 234g
Dimensions(mm) 177mm * 130mm * 22mm