Pearly and Pig and the Island of Secrets by Sue Whiting

Pearly and Pig and the Island of Secrets, written by Sue Whiting, is the latest instalment in the Pearly and Pig series. This is a delightful junior fiction novel that will captivate young readers with its exciting plot and endearing characters.

In this third book of the series, we join Pearly and her trusty companion, Pig, on another thrilling adventure as they embark on a quest to become true 'adventurologists'. Set on the mysterious, uninhabited Mammut Island, just off the coast of Iceland, Pearly finds herself winched down from a helicopter by her mum and grandma with only five days' worth of supplies to complete a series of tasks independently. However, what begins as a seemingly straightforward mission quickly takes a suspenseful turn when Pearly discovers the presence of unknown individuals on the island, and she is unsure of their intentions.

Pearly is desperate to prove to her family that she is brave and up to the challenges set and she really doesn’t want to alert her family about anything. She sets about trying to complete her adventure tasks but find it very unsettling with all the other things going on at the island. Even the puffins seem concerned.

Adamant that she can complete all these tasks and give this new challenge the best shot ever, Pearly and Pig help each other work through their worries. They have the most beautiful bond and can even communicate with each other in pig language.  

A highly engaging and enchanting novel that moves at a brisk pace, readers will be eagerly flipping through the pages to uncover the mysteries and adventures. This story will appeal to anyone who enjoys adventure, mystery and prehistoric life, while intertwined with valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. With its engaging storyline and lovable characters, this book is sure to captivate young readers and leave them eagerly seeking other books in the series.

Themes: Adventure, Friendship, Animals, Prehistoric animals, Archaeology, Bravery.

Michelle O'Connell