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Never Land #1
Escape from the Carnivale
Little Scallop should be happy. She's a princess of the Mollusk tribe, rulers of beautiful Mollusk Island. And she has two fun friends - Aqua and Surf - who just happen to be mermaids.
But Little Scallop is bored. Her warrior brothers are allowed to do exciting things, like spying on the pirates who live on the other side of the island. Little Scallop longs to have a real adventure. When Aqua and Surf invite her to go pearl-diving - even though she knows she shouldn't - she can't resist.
So late one night, she sneaks off into forbidden waters with Aqua and Surf. That's when the trouble starts - they run into a fierce storm and a strange ship sailed by men who would love to capture a mermaid. Soon, Little Scallop is caught up in the adventure she always wanted. The question is: can she and her friends get out of it?
But Little Scallop is bored. Her warrior brothers are allowed to do exciting things, like spying on the pirates who live on the other side of the island. Little Scallop longs to have a real adventure. When Aqua and Surf invite her to go pearl-diving - even though she knows she shouldn't - she can't resist.
So late one night, she sneaks off into forbidden waters with Aqua and Surf. That's when the trouble starts - they run into a fierce storm and a strange ship sailed by men who would love to capture a mermaid. Soon, Little Scallop is caught up in the adventure she always wanted. The question is: can she and her friends get out of it?
134 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2006
10 people are currently reading
2336 people want to read
About the author
Ridley Pearson
186 books2,104 followersRidley Pearson is the author of more than fifty novels, including the New York Times bestseller Killer Weekend; the Lou Boldt crime series; and many books for young readers, including the award-winning children's novels Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, which he cowrote with Dave Barry. Pearson lives with his wife and two daughters, dividing their time between Missouri and Idaho.
Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.
Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 2, 2025
A fun little adventure set on Neverland while Peter is away on his own adventures. Loved seeing more of the mermaids!
March 14, 2022
Catching up with the Starcatchers novellas from Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. I actually liked this one better than I remember what turned out to be the second one, this being the first of three. So now I’m all the more eager to read the third.
August 12, 2016
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So this is first and foremost, a children’s fantasy book. Probably for kids around grade 4? So bearing that in mind, I’ll say that this book will hold a lot of adventures and fascinating plots for the little ones. Also, the book is not too cheesy (I know I never liked it when the moral of the book always took up so much time from the actual adventures) nor was it inappropriate in any way. Pretty sure there are more in the series, so if you guys(or wee ones you know) like Peter Pan and want more stories from his world, then this book will definitely satisfy. Wish I read it way before; I would’ve enjoyed the book immensely. So, 2/5 for me as a 20 year old, and 4/5 for 9 year olds.
So this is first and foremost, a children’s fantasy book. Probably for kids around grade 4? So bearing that in mind, I’ll say that this book will hold a lot of adventures and fascinating plots for the little ones. Also, the book is not too cheesy (I know I never liked it when the moral of the book always took up so much time from the actual adventures) nor was it inappropriate in any way. Pretty sure there are more in the series, so if you guys(or wee ones you know) like Peter Pan and want more stories from his world, then this book will definitely satisfy. Wish I read it way before; I would’ve enjoyed the book immensely. So, 2/5 for me as a 20 year old, and 4/5 for 9 year olds.
June 30, 2018
(not as good as the second, never read the third)
February 23, 2017
Little Scallop knows she isn't supposed to leave the shallow waters near the beach of Mollusk Island. But when her mermaid friends, Aqua and Surf, tell her of beautiful pearls to be found in Shark Cave, she decides to risk a little adventure. Trouble comes when a storm rolls up, leaving them next to a ship full of sailors who want nothing more than to add a mermaid to their circus show full of amazing creatures.
The main appeal of this book will be that it's tied to Peter Pan (he's mentioned, but doesn't play a part in the story). Other than that, I thought it was well written but still managed to be fairly boring. The characters are static and rather nondescript, with only a few changing in the form of "lessons learned" right at the end of the story. In a book this length and at this level I would have expected a little more character development. If it had been the same story line, written simply enough for 3rd graders it would have made more sense to me. For a 5th grader I think it might be underwhelming. But then again, this might be perfect for a kid who loves Peter Pan and/or mermaids and who's younger but reading above their grade level. Also, the plot involves some back and forth between three story lines that all converge eventually. For students who struggle with non-linear plot lines this could be a good book for them to learn with.
I feel compelled to like this because it has good vocabulary and sentence structure - I appreciate the way it's written on a sentence level, it has a mature tone that's not always present in kids books. And of course who doesn't want to read a great story that's set in Neverland? But overall, I came away from it unattached to any of the characters and not really wondering what comes next for them.
The main appeal of this book will be that it's tied to Peter Pan (he's mentioned, but doesn't play a part in the story). Other than that, I thought it was well written but still managed to be fairly boring. The characters are static and rather nondescript, with only a few changing in the form of "lessons learned" right at the end of the story. In a book this length and at this level I would have expected a little more character development. If it had been the same story line, written simply enough for 3rd graders it would have made more sense to me. For a 5th grader I think it might be underwhelming. But then again, this might be perfect for a kid who loves Peter Pan and/or mermaids and who's younger but reading above their grade level. Also, the plot involves some back and forth between three story lines that all converge eventually. For students who struggle with non-linear plot lines this could be a good book for them to learn with.
I feel compelled to like this because it has good vocabulary and sentence structure - I appreciate the way it's written on a sentence level, it has a mature tone that's not always present in kids books. And of course who doesn't want to read a great story that's set in Neverland? But overall, I came away from it unattached to any of the characters and not really wondering what comes next for them.
July 3, 2015
Nice to read after the very enjoyable Peter and The Starcatchers series.
August 1, 2024
I grew up reading Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's Peter and the Starcatchers series, which still to this day holds up as one of the greatest series I've ever read. But for some reason, my stubborn ten-year-old self refused to read the chapter book spinoffs that take place between the novels. I think it was partially because Peter isn't present in these (still a major drawback).
Now I'm twenty six and no longer a kid, but I finally returned to Neverland after over a decade of being absent. And it felt good. I've desperately missed this world—the Mollusks, Hook, Smee, and Jamessssss!!! Yes, unfortunately Peter remains absent, but just about every other character gets a cameo. And let's be honest, James was always a favorite. He deserved to be the hero for once.
I loved taking the plunge back to Neverland.
Now I'm twenty six and no longer a kid, but I finally returned to Neverland after over a decade of being absent. And it felt good. I've desperately missed this world—the Mollusks, Hook, Smee, and Jamessssss!!! Yes, unfortunately Peter remains absent, but just about every other character gets a cameo. And let's be honest, James was always a favorite. He deserved to be the hero for once.
I loved taking the plunge back to Neverland.
January 13, 2022
I am a fan of Dave Barry & also his Neverland books, so I was eager to read this one which is an additional adventure of some of the Neverland characters. One of the mermaids is captured by a ship's crew searching for unusual creatures for their sideshow. Meanwhile, the stranded pirate crew under Capt. Hook wants to take over the ship so they can escape the island once & for all & Little Scallop needs help to rescue her mermaid friend from becoming a freak in a circus. She enlists the rest of the mermaids, the local dolphins, & the Lost Boys to carry out her plan. A cute story for younger readers of the Peter & the Starcatcher series.
February 4, 2022
#26 from my collection. A side story set somewhere between Peter and the Starcatchers and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon. It was mildly entertaining, but it felt like it was written for a younger audience than the main series was.
July 23, 2017
I was pretty sure that I had listened to this before, but I couldn't remember much about it. It's just a cute little fantasy adventure story that is set in the same world as Peter and the Starcatchers.
While Peter is off on other adventures, the chief's daughter, lost boys, mermaids, & dolphins must work to rescue one of their friends who has been kidnapped by a visiting ship that Captain Hook is trying to take over.
While Peter is off on other adventures, the chief's daughter, lost boys, mermaids, & dolphins must work to rescue one of their friends who has been kidnapped by a visiting ship that Captain Hook is trying to take over.
February 20, 2018
This is an enjoyable book written for the author’s younger children—one of the Peter and the Star catcher family. It’s a fun read with young heroes, albeit heroes who became such by disobeying their authorities (dad and teacher.). And while the young ones were repentant, I think the message is skewed...
June 3, 2017
I would have to say that I would love to see these concepts re-written for adults; not with "adult" themes, but with more character development, story arc and more complex relationships... that being said, they are enjoyable but would be more so if read aloud to elementary kids.
April 8, 2019
This was a fun and quick read with my boys. It was a fast paced story with plenty of excitement and suspense with a good mix of familiar characters and new characters. We will definitely read the next one!
June 11, 2024
Keeping in mind that this book is recommended for kids 8 and up, I enjoyed this quite a bit. Is it amazing? No. Is it good. Yes. I was not expecting three plots intersecting at the end in a short book for elementary aged children.
August 14, 2018
Very cute and a quick read. Totally would recommend it.
August 31, 2018
Fun little story. The girls really liked it and are excited to start the next one.
December 25, 2019
A short novel by Dave Berry and Ridley Pearson and read by Jim Dale. A nice story about Neverland when Peter Pan is off on another adventure away from Neverland. It was very enjoyable and cute.
November 12, 2020
could not put down. fantastic for all ages, read the peter and starcatchers series first. wish this was longer.
May 21, 2021
Fun for little ones
August 22, 2021
Cute book, one of the best narrators. Enjoyable.
October 20, 2021
Read a long time ago love it
October 23, 2022
The illustrations were amazing
November 1, 2022
A nice and easy companion book to the Peter and the Starcatchers series
July 22, 2018
A cute little adventure tale; involves some well-known characters too like Cap'n Hook and the Lost Boys.
March 21, 2012
Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson have teamed up to create an impressive body of adventure stories for young and middle grade readers. Both of these authors are well known to adult readers: Pearson for his suspense and mystery thrillers and Barry for his creative nonfiction in the Florida press and countless books of his humorous observations of our lives.
While I enjoy both these authors in their adult work, I find that where I get really excited about their stories is in their books for younger readers. Pearson’s fast-paced, electric narratives are exciting and interesting while Barry’s sense of humor and psychological insights offer extraordinarily entertaining and accessible characters.
I will refer, today, just to their adventure series surrounding the story and characters in J.M. Barrie’s original story Peter Pan.
PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS was published in 2004. The idea of what Peter and the lost boys might have been before the events of J. M. Barrie’s well-known (and loved) Peter Pan is intriguing. I found the series to be rife with adventure, danger and just enough of a hint of magic thrown in to make the storyline weave together really well with the Peter Pan characters that were already so firmly implanted in my imagination. I recommend this series for 3rd grade and up. The books are longer, which is sometimes intimidating to young readers. Although the series is appropriate and enjoyable for both boys and girls, my experience in the classroom seems to indicate that it is primarily boys who are drawn to and excited about these stories.
THE NEVERLAND SERIES: Escape from Carnivale, Cave of the Dark Wind and Blood Tide are written to be accessible to a slightly younger audience than Peter and the Starcatchers. These books are shorter and have slightly less difficult vocabulary. The main characters in this series are both the lost boys (stranded on Mollusk Island in the Peter and the Starcatchers series) and the children of Fighting Prawn, the leader of the Mollusk tribe on the island. Captain Hook and his pirates are also present, stranded on the opposite side of the island from the Mollusk people. Although the lost boys’ and the pirates’ existence on the island is due to the events in the other series of books, it is not necessary to know that to fully enjoy these adventures.
I have read all the books in this particular series–and am hungry for more. I enjoyed each one more than the one before it! I also like the fact that the main characters in each story vary. Sometimes the girl characters take the lead, and sometimes the boy characters do so. The encounters between the children and the pirates are action-packed, but with a slapstick flair. I think these could be read as early as 2nd grade. I would consider using these stories as read-alouds in 3rd or 4th grade, but as yet I have not so.
If you enjoy adventure these are fantastic choices for early middle readers. In my opinion they offer the advanced adventure narrative many children begin to seek in 2nd & 3rd grade, without age-inappropriate language or violence.
While I enjoy both these authors in their adult work, I find that where I get really excited about their stories is in their books for younger readers. Pearson’s fast-paced, electric narratives are exciting and interesting while Barry’s sense of humor and psychological insights offer extraordinarily entertaining and accessible characters.
I will refer, today, just to their adventure series surrounding the story and characters in J.M. Barrie’s original story Peter Pan.
PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS was published in 2004. The idea of what Peter and the lost boys might have been before the events of J. M. Barrie’s well-known (and loved) Peter Pan is intriguing. I found the series to be rife with adventure, danger and just enough of a hint of magic thrown in to make the storyline weave together really well with the Peter Pan characters that were already so firmly implanted in my imagination. I recommend this series for 3rd grade and up. The books are longer, which is sometimes intimidating to young readers. Although the series is appropriate and enjoyable for both boys and girls, my experience in the classroom seems to indicate that it is primarily boys who are drawn to and excited about these stories.
THE NEVERLAND SERIES: Escape from Carnivale, Cave of the Dark Wind and Blood Tide are written to be accessible to a slightly younger audience than Peter and the Starcatchers. These books are shorter and have slightly less difficult vocabulary. The main characters in this series are both the lost boys (stranded on Mollusk Island in the Peter and the Starcatchers series) and the children of Fighting Prawn, the leader of the Mollusk tribe on the island. Captain Hook and his pirates are also present, stranded on the opposite side of the island from the Mollusk people. Although the lost boys’ and the pirates’ existence on the island is due to the events in the other series of books, it is not necessary to know that to fully enjoy these adventures.
I have read all the books in this particular series–and am hungry for more. I enjoyed each one more than the one before it! I also like the fact that the main characters in each story vary. Sometimes the girl characters take the lead, and sometimes the boy characters do so. The encounters between the children and the pirates are action-packed, but with a slapstick flair. I think these could be read as early as 2nd grade. I would consider using these stories as read-alouds in 3rd or 4th grade, but as yet I have not so.
If you enjoy adventure these are fantastic choices for early middle readers. In my opinion they offer the advanced adventure narrative many children begin to seek in 2nd & 3rd grade, without age-inappropriate language or violence.
December 31, 2019
I know I'm not the intended audience, but I can't leave a book on my shelf unread so its time finally came.
I like that the authors took the setting of the more difficult Starcatchers books and scaled it down with easier stories and younger characters so that a different group of readers could be in that same universe. From my older perspective nothing about it was too special, but I'm sure younger readers enjoy it.
I like that the authors took the setting of the more difficult Starcatchers books and scaled it down with easier stories and younger characters so that a different group of readers could be in that same universe. From my older perspective nothing about it was too special, but I'm sure younger readers enjoy it.
March 9, 2017
Title: A Never Land Book: Escape from the carnivale
Author(s): Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson
Publication date: 9/2/2006
Type of book: Middle grade fantasy
Is this a part of a series, If yes, which number? Yes. (#1 of 3) #2: “Cave of the dark wind” #3: “Blood tide”. These books are also side stories that go along with the “Peter and the starcatchers” series by the same two authors.
Summary: Little Scallop is a princess in the Mollusk tribe and she is loved by everyone. The one thing missing in Little Scallop’s life is adventure. One day her two mermaid friends, Aqua and Surf talk her into going diving for pearls. The problem is that the pearls are in a part of the ocean that all the kids have been told never to go to. When Surf is captured and brought aboard a pirate ship, Little Scallop begins to realize that adventures aren’t all they appear to be and she will need all her friend’s help to save Surf from her captors.
Characters:
*Little Scallop is feisty and kind. She loves her friends and will do anything for them.
*Surf and Aqua are identical twin mermaids who are full of life and like Little Scallop they long for adventure.
*James is one of the lost boys. He is brave and jumps right in to help save Surf from the pirates.
Favorite bits: This book is short but it’s full of fun and adventure. It has enough danger to satisfy any young reader without scaring them and plenty of relatable characters. Another thing I love about this book is that it’s full of beautiful black and white illustrations. They are lovely to look at and they bring the characters to life as only pictures can. (I also love that my copy is a library binding, it’s my favorite kind of binding. I am not a fan of slipcovers.)
Problematic bits: I have nothing bad to say about this title.
Author(s): Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson
Publication date: 9/2/2006
Type of book: Middle grade fantasy
Is this a part of a series, If yes, which number? Yes. (#1 of 3) #2: “Cave of the dark wind” #3: “Blood tide”. These books are also side stories that go along with the “Peter and the starcatchers” series by the same two authors.
Summary: Little Scallop is a princess in the Mollusk tribe and she is loved by everyone. The one thing missing in Little Scallop’s life is adventure. One day her two mermaid friends, Aqua and Surf talk her into going diving for pearls. The problem is that the pearls are in a part of the ocean that all the kids have been told never to go to. When Surf is captured and brought aboard a pirate ship, Little Scallop begins to realize that adventures aren’t all they appear to be and she will need all her friend’s help to save Surf from her captors.
Characters:
*Little Scallop is feisty and kind. She loves her friends and will do anything for them.
*Surf and Aqua are identical twin mermaids who are full of life and like Little Scallop they long for adventure.
*James is one of the lost boys. He is brave and jumps right in to help save Surf from the pirates.
Favorite bits: This book is short but it’s full of fun and adventure. It has enough danger to satisfy any young reader without scaring them and plenty of relatable characters. Another thing I love about this book is that it’s full of beautiful black and white illustrations. They are lovely to look at and they bring the characters to life as only pictures can. (I also love that my copy is a library binding, it’s my favorite kind of binding. I am not a fan of slipcovers.)
Problematic bits: I have nothing bad to say about this title.
April 20, 2016
You can read this review and others on my blog at http://awriterswife-bcray.blogspot.co...
I accidentally read these books out of order. I picked up two in the series at the big booksale in downtown Phoenix in February and when I went to read them, there was no indication that there was an order. In its defense, you don’t really need to read them in order.
These books are spin-off books to the Peter and the Starcatcher series. These stories are what happen while Peter is gone. It follows the Lost Boys and Shining Pearl and Little Scallop. I suggest reading the Starcatcher books first so you understand how things came to be on that island. These are great little additions to the series though. Enough to get you back in that world, but also super-fast, easy reads.
The mermaids are more involved in this one and I liked that the kids basically had to figure this one out on their own. The new ship was super weird. I have no idea where all those strange creatures came from. I liked that there was also a sub-plot of Captain Hook planning to take over the Carnivale. Overall, this was a fun and entertaining book in the world of the Starcatchers. If you enjoyed the Starcatcher series, you’ll enjoy these short books.
I accidentally read these books out of order. I picked up two in the series at the big booksale in downtown Phoenix in February and when I went to read them, there was no indication that there was an order. In its defense, you don’t really need to read them in order.
These books are spin-off books to the Peter and the Starcatcher series. These stories are what happen while Peter is gone. It follows the Lost Boys and Shining Pearl and Little Scallop. I suggest reading the Starcatcher books first so you understand how things came to be on that island. These are great little additions to the series though. Enough to get you back in that world, but also super-fast, easy reads.
The mermaids are more involved in this one and I liked that the kids basically had to figure this one out on their own. The new ship was super weird. I have no idea where all those strange creatures came from. I liked that there was also a sub-plot of Captain Hook planning to take over the Carnivale. Overall, this was a fun and entertaining book in the world of the Starcatchers. If you enjoyed the Starcatcher series, you’ll enjoy these short books.
October 10, 2007
One of the Neverland Books. Younger audience...8-10 yrs old....much shorter Little Scallop should be happy. She's a princess of the Mollusk tribe, rulers of beautiful Mollusk Island. And she has two fun friends - Aqua and Surf - who just happen to be mermaids. But Little Scallop is bored. Her warrior brothers are allowed to do exciting things, like spying on the pirates who live on the other side of the island. Little Scallop longs to have a real adventure. When Aqua and Surf invite her to go pearl-diving - even though she knows she shouldn't - she can't resist. So late one night, she sneaks off into forbidden waters with Aqua and Surf. That's when the trouble starts - they run into a fierce storm and a strange ship sailed by men who would love to capture a mermaid. Soon, Little Scallop is caught up in the adventure she always wanted. The question is: can she and her friends get out of it?
February 23, 2012
This book is written for the younger crowd, however it is just great for the young of heart of all ages. This is more about mermaids, especially a little one who gets caught by carnival folk and is destined for the circus. The pirates and a little girl from the village and also James of the lost boys all have a part to play as well as some dolphins with a sense of humor. Peter Pan is mentioned but doesn't make an appearance. The story is basically about all these folk getting together in an attempt to free the little mermaid, although the pirates have a separate agenda, stealing the carnival ship. The writing is fresh and enjoyable. the characters also are fresh and exciting and pop out of the story. It is a quick read and just the first book of a series. This is fun reading in a magical world. Very impressed with Dave Barry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews