By Heather Fawcett
4RBooks: 4/6, grades 3-6
Amazon rating: 4.4/5, grade level 3-7
Good Reads: 3.91/5
Common Sense Media: Not Yet Reviewed
220 pages
Synopsis:
Sisters Hattie, Bee, and Plum are spending three weeks with their grandfather in Misty Cove. Their mom and toddler brother Dore are there, too. They are anticipating a great time, especially eating Grandpa’s chocolate chip cookies (a new flavor every week), but everyone is concerned about Grandpa. He is having issues with his memory and navigating everyday life. They quickly settle into life at the cove, Hattie practicing for the sand sculpture contest, Bee collecting plant specimens, and Plum just enjoying being with her sisters and wearing her different costumes every day.
The girls are fascinated by the three islands that lie just off the beach at Grandpa’s house. When the tide is low you can walk to them. They are known as the Fairy Islands: Fairy, Little Fairy, and Ghost. Their interest is piqued even more when they hear local legends about their great-great grandmother who became a pirate and might have treasure hidden on the islands.
They search and search but can’t find anything. Bee, who is staying in a small shed in the yard, starts to have strange sensations and weird dreams. She finds a map that leads to more explorations of the islands, which seem to change every time they visit. The girls are convinced that if they can find the treasure it will help move the family to Misty Cover permanently to help their grandpa. After learning there might be a fourth island, the sisters decide to explore one night at low tide to find the treasure.
Parental Guidance: low
The girls’ great-great grandmother was a pirate. There are stories of her stealing and possibly murdering someone.
The girls sneak out late one night, with their toddler brother, to cross the three main islands to try and search the hidden fourth island at low tide.
The premise of the story is based on magic, fairies, and supernatural events.
Children who are sensitive to dreams and nighttime terrors might be uncomfortable with aspects of this story.
Recommendation:
This was an enjoyable elementary school read. The girls are 12, 10, and 8 and have a realistic sibling relationship. They love and care for each other as they also annoy and frustrate each other. It’s a mystery adventure with a lost treasure. The town and the people are quirky and the basic premise is believable. The paranormal twist to the story gives it an otherworldly feel.
Parents and teachers who are concerned with stories of ghosts and spirits will want to read this first, or with their child(ren) to provide wisdom and guidance about such factors. Otherwise, it’s innocuous enough to not be much of a concern for a classroom library or independent read.
Elementary girls will probably enjoy and connect with this book more, but boys should find interest in the exploration and treasure hunting.
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