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.
About the Author
AEvar THor Benediktsson is one of Iceland's most popular authors. He is Iceland's first UNICEF Ambassador and is known for launching popular nationwide reading challenges to encourage Icelandic children and teenagers to read more. In 2017 AEvar 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 books.
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 for Barefoot Books, including We're Roaming in the Rainforest and The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales.
Reviews
"Two amateur explorers become stranded on a newly formed volcanic island when the fishing boat that drops them off fails to come back" - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Based on a true account, the book's comfortable and engaging storytelling presents the tale in a humorous way sprinkled with Icelandic myths and a dash of magic . . . Highly recommended for public or school libraries. This gently exciting story will be enjoyed by adventure-loving children." - School Library Journal
"Benediktsson's Icelandic grandfather inspires this 'mostly true,' magically buoyed tale of a volcanic excursion that teeters on disaster" - Publishers Weekly
"This strikingly unusual picture book contains a true story about the author's grandfather, a scientist stranded on a volcanic island. Lively illustrations allude to the mythology, and the text, including facts in the back, is involving." - The Sunday Times, Best Books for Children 2023
Awards
Commended for Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best books of 2023 2023 and ALA Notable Children's Books 2024 and Margaret Wise Brown Honor Book 2024.
Book Information
ISBN 9781646869916
Author AEvar THor Benediktsson
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Barefoot Books, Incorporated
Publisher Barefoot Books, Incorporated
Weight(grams) 422g
About the Author
AEvar THor Benediktsson is one of Iceland's most popular authors. He is Iceland's first UNICEF Ambassador and is known for launching popular nationwide reading challenges to encourage Icelandic children and teenagers to read more. In 2017 AEvar 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 books.
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 for Barefoot Books, including We're Roaming in the Rainforest and The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales.
Reviews
"Two amateur explorers become stranded on a newly formed volcanic island when the fishing boat that drops them off fails to come back" - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Based on a true account, the book's comfortable and engaging storytelling presents the tale in a humorous way sprinkled with Icelandic myths and a dash of magic . . . Highly recommended for public or school libraries. This gently exciting story will be enjoyed by adventure-loving children." - School Library Journal
"Benediktsson's Icelandic grandfather inspires this 'mostly true,' magically buoyed tale of a volcanic excursion that teeters on disaster" - Publishers Weekly
"This strikingly unusual picture book contains a true story about the author's grandfather, a scientist stranded on a volcanic island. Lively illustrations allude to the mythology, and the text, including facts in the back, is involving." - The Sunday Times, Best Books for Children 2023
Awards
Commended for Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best books of 2023 2023 and ALA Notable Children's Books 2024 and Margaret Wise Brown Honor Book 2024.
Book Information
ISBN 9781646869916
Author AEvar THor Benediktsson
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Barefoot Books, Incorporated
Publisher Barefoot Books, Incorporated
Weight(grams) 422g
