11th April 2024, Barrington Stoke, 72 pages, Paperback, Review copy
Book summary from Barrington Stoke
Tia’s mum has a new job as the vet on Gull Haven Island and there are a lot of animals who need her help.
When she’s called away to help a sickly cow on a nearby island and gets trapped there in a storm, Tia has to step up and care for the animals staying in the surgery. It’s a big responsibility and then she has to deal with a mysterious creature that washes up on the shore after the storm.
Their new life on the Haven Islands is clearly going to be full of adventures!
Nayu's thoughts
Starting life in a new home is never easy, and often those involved can dread it because it is a massive upheaval. I really liked that Tia is looking forward to it because all the things she couldn't do on the mainland she can do with her mum on friendly Gull Haven Island. I liked how instantly the close-knit community feel of the island is portrayed, everyone looks out for each other. Rather than being fed up of having to look after the animals it's all Tia wants to do, so when her mother is unable to return home one night she is really eager to take care of everyone. She knows what to do from watching her mum, and what I liked is that she was taken care of by a nice lady called Peggy. Tia did miss her mum from time to time, as nice as Peggy was she wasn't Tia's mother, but they all survived the storm safely which is what mattered.
As for the sea monster - it was an amusing encounter, and the resulting plot twist was quite unexpected and well written. I am so eager for the next book in the series, partly so I have an excuse to reread this. I mean look at the cover by Irina, it looks so warm and inviting just like Gull Haven Island. It has the standard Barrington Stoke off-white pages which an easy to read font.
Find out more on Gill's website.
Suggested read
If you like animal adventures try The Pocket Dog by Holly Webb and Sharon Renta (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E)
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