Stranded!: A Mostly True Story from Iceland

by Ævar Þór Benediktsson, Anne Wilson (Illustrator)

A 2026 Rhode Island Children's Book Award winner
A 2024 Margaret Wise Brown Prize Honor Book
A 2024 ALA Notable Children's Books selection
 ★ “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"This gently exciting story will be enjoyed by adventure-loving children." – School Library Journal

When two scientists find themselves stranded on Iceland’s newest volcanic island, Surtsey, they have to navigate fiery lava, fogged-up glasses, and dwindling supplies to survive until rescue arrives. Based on real life events, this action-packed book keeps readers guessing about the one surprising twist in the tale that’s not entirely true.Features graphic novel-like layoutsEndnotes include information about volcanoes, Icelandic culture, and Norse mythologyPerfect for young adventurers

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Nature, Science, Adventure, Childrens, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 8, 2023

About the author

Since 2014, Ævar has been one of the most popular authors in Iceland. He has won several awards for his work, including the Icelandic Children's Book Awards, The Bookseller's Awards and a special award, by the Ministry of culture and education, in recognition of his contribution to work on the Icelandic language.
He was nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize for Children and YA Books in 2016 (for The Robot Attack) and in 2017 (for Your Very Own Fairy Tale) and was finalist and first International Selection of the DeBary Outstanding Children’s Book Awards 2016 (for Dinosaurs in Reykjavik). In 2017 Ævar was chosen as one of the Aarhus39 - a collection of the 39 best emerging writers for young people from across Europe. On top of that he has won four Edda-awards for his TV-show, Ævar the Scientist.

In 2015, 2016 and 2017 Ævar launched annual nation-wide reading challenges for every child in Iceland between the ages of 5-13. At the end of each challenge five participants are randomly selected and as a reward get to be characters in the book series "The Young Adventures of Ævar the Scientist". Over 177 thousand books were read in the three challenges. In October of 2017 he was nominated for the ALMA (The Astrid Lindgren Memorial) award , as a "Promoter of reading".

He currently lives in Reykjavík, Iceland, with his fiancé and cat (not the same person, though).

Reviews

[Nadia Masood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute delight! It's beautifully illustrated and full of charm! The humor, storytelling, and suspense will keep kids hooked from start to finish.

[Rachael Fryman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this nonfiction picture book about exploring (and accidentally becoming stranded) on a newly forming island off the coast of Iceland. I loved the tone the author set while narrating his family's store - factual and funny! I loved the beautiful illustrations. I loved all the information about Iceland, their culture, and volcanic science that was packed into the story. This will make a fantastic and super fun read-aloud! Definitely a must buy for libraries and one I will be recommending in the future!

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be the most exciting 2025 #WCCPBA nominee. It has volcanoes, mythology, and the tension you'd expect in a story about being stranded on a newly formed volcanic Island.

[DaNae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engaging, funny, and a bit hair-raising true story of a couple of blokes from Iceland exploring a newly formed island. There is just enough sciency information about the evolution of volcanos to give young readers a chance to walk away with both knowledge and entertainment.

How did I not know about this book when it came out? It is perfection.

52 Book Club25 Picture book: 49)  Set in a country with an active volcano 

[Daniel Escobar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amo los islandeses. Fin.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW 



Review for 'Stranded! A MOSTLY True Story From Iceland' by Ævar Þór Benediktsson and illustrated by Anne Wilson. 



Read and reviewed paperback for Ævar Þór Benediktsson, Anne Wilson, Barefoot Books, Netgalley amd Literally PR. 



Publication date: 8th August 2023 



This is the first book we have read by this author but it definitely won't be out last!!!



We all really enjoyed this absolutely fantastic and beautiful illustrated children's book as a family. The storyline is unique which is very difficult to find when it comes to children's books and we all loved the fact that it is actually based on a true story about the time his grandfather got stranded with a friend an a brand new volcanic island in Iceland. It is filled with adventure, humour, jokes, fascinating information and absolutely stunning illustrations!!!! We all loved the note at the beginning stating that 'Everything in this story is true, except for one little thing. See if you can spot it!!' This just added so much fun to the book and we were all trying to work out what it was that wasn't true and loving the fact that we were being told we were wrong each time (which makes a change as none of us normally like being told we are wrong!!). We never did guess what it was and it was absolutely hilarious!!! I love the fact that not only is this book fun, beautifully written and stunningly illustrated but also that we all learnt so much from it which is a huge bonus for myself as a mum when it comes to books!!! At the back of the book, after the fantastic story, the author has included two pages dedicated to Iceland, Surtsey and Volcanos, half a page of facts, half a page of information of the legend of Surtsey's tomatoes and a page dedicated to Norse mythology. My partner and son love watching the marvel films so I had lots of fun quizzing them on the mythology page!! The illustrations are absolutely stunning, eye catching and with loads of objects to point out, describe and discuss with your children. It really is a fun fact filled book that would make a fantastic gift or stocking filler for by child!! to read and perfect with Christmas just around the corner. It wasn't just myself that enjoyed reading it but my 10 year old son and also one of my 5 year old twin boys. It was written in a way that is easy for children and adults to read and we all took it in turns to read a page (my other twin boy is non-verbal, they both have autism). 


Malaki and Hunter loved looking and naming all the different items in the background. We had lots of fun naming all the different things that the children could see in the photos and naming all the objects. It is a fantastic book and I would say it is suitable for any child and adult from 5 years and older. This book is lovely and short and can be a quick read or be made into a fun long read whichever the reader wishes. The font is a nice style and size making it easy for adults and children to see and read too which is definitely a bonus as I have struggled with some fonts that authors have used in children's books in the past. It would be a great book for children to be read to by their teachers in school as well as friends and family members. Let your children's imaginations come alive with this amazing , fun and informative book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Ævar Þór Benediktsson to my children and hope that he is busy writing and Anne Wilson illustrating the next one already!





My 10 year old son Malaki had this to say about this book:



I really loved reading this book. I learned loads of new things about Iceland and Surtsey, which I had never heard of before. I actually went into school and told my teachers all about it and when I went to Scouts I told them too and some of the teachers didn't know about it either!!! It was really fun guessing what wasn't true in the story and it made me laugh when I found out. Some of my favourite parts was learning about Iceland and Surtsey, learning more about mythology, how funny the book was and the amazing pictures and photos. It was a really fun and funny story and the pictures were really bright and colourful!!!  I really enjoyed reading it to my brothers who are 5 year old and loved showing them the pictures which they liked too. 




Amazon rates this book suitable for children 6-10 years old. I would rate from 5 to 13 years old to adults!!!




Congratulations  Ævar Þór Benediktsson on writing an absolutely fantastic book and Anne Wilson for the stunning illustrations. Here is to both of your next success'!!  🥂 




Overall a beautifully illustrated, fun, humorous and informative children's book! 



32 pages




This book is just £7.99 to purchase in paperback and £11.16 in paperback via Amazon at time of review. 




Rated 5/5 ( We all loved it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook. 




Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews. 




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[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! A story about the author‘s grandfather and his very dangerous expedition to a new lead formed island near Iceland. The artwork gives clues to Icelandic life as well as mythology. Fun story and the students loved calling out what part was not true.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stranded!: A Mostly True Story from Iceland by Ævar Þór Benediktsson is a humorous recount of a real-life adventure. The author’s grandfather and his friend find themselves stranded on Surtsey, a new volcanic island in Iceland. The story is filled with epic challenges and entertaining escapades as they await rescue. The graphic novel-like layouts, alongside spirited text, create an engaging and interactive reading experience. Additionally, the endnotes provide extra information on volcanoes, Icelandic culture, and Norse mythology. The artwork by Anne Wilson adds to the overall appeal of the book. Overall, Stranded! is a thrilling yet light-hearted tale of adventure that is sure to captivate readers of all ages.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stranded!: by Ævar Þór Benediktsson is a Mostly True Story from Iceland.

This book put a big smile on my nephew O's face when he opened a parcel addressed to him. He had no idea that he will be the one reading and review this book for me. So, this review is from O.......
Who was one happy little boy who adored this book called Stranded by Ævar Þór Benediktsson.

The headlines from O and he is only 6: -

He loved the story and thought it was really cool it really happened.

He loved the colourful pictures throughout the book and the fact the sun 🌞 and moon 🌝 had faces.
(it made him smile 😊)

He also found it funny when he eventually realised the one thing that wasn't true was the fact the grandfather's wellies were actually green not purple which took a lot of explaining!! 😭 🙄

He liked there was some facts and maps in the back of the book. - but wanted more.

I said to give it 1-5 stars and he said 5 stars wasn't enough.

He wants to read it at bedtime with daddy and he'd recommend it to his friends. ❤️

----------------------------------❤️ --------------------------------------


Stranded! is based on a true story, the author Ævar Þór Benediktsson humorously recounts the time his grandfather got stranded with a friend on Surtsey, which is a brand new volcanic island in Iceland.
The adventurers they both faced and the epic challenges like molten lava, melted eyeglasses and scant supplies before finally getting rescued.

This book is full of wonderful illustrations which will keep children gripped from the beginning till the end. The end of this wonderful book you will find a conclusion which includes information about volcanoes, Icelandic culture and Norse mythology which was great.

It was a wonderful find and made a little boy smile and talk about it for days about it. He read it to his dad and mum several times. (oh and me) Then went on the internet with his mum and dad to find out more information about volcanic island in Iceland which was brilliant especially as has marked it on his to do list when he gets older.

Stranded will be a book that will have a pride of place on his growing book shelves and will be a regularly go to book and then to visit the internet to see what else has happened in Iceland photo's and history.

I or should say We recommend this book and a big 5 stars.

Big thank you to Literally PR Book Tour for this brilliant book.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The active volcano in Iceland (in Nov of 2023) is making this book salient. True, this book's volcano formed the island of Surtsey, which is 20 miles or 32 km off the south coast of Iceland. It was last active in the 1960s.

The story is about the author's grandfather and his friend who went to Surtsey to take pictures of the active lava flow. However, the fisherman who was supposed to pick them up did not show up. (Or did the fisherman go to a different part of the island. Who knows?) Anyway, the book retells this story, but it also has backmatter about volcanos in general as well as information about Iceland's and Surtsey's connection to volcanoes. There is also very brief information about five of the Icelandic / Viking gods: Surtr, Thor, Freya, Loki, and Odin. Peppered throughout the book are brief references to Icelandic folk beliefs of fairies and trolls.

If young people see their parents watching footage of Iceland's late 2023 volcanic activity, the children might be very ready to read this book. (And all my best to the people of Iceland. I can't imagine how disruptive and scary it is for them to have the earth cracking open beneath paved roads, homes, and other structures.)

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the actual experiences of the author's grandfather, this story [3.5 for me] is told in a unique, keep-the-reader-guessing fashion that would keep anyone reading and guessing, driven by the need to know what part of the story isn't true. There certainly aren't many children's books that discuss being stranded on a volcanic island near Iceland, which will make this one appealing since the topic is unusual, and many youngsters are fascinated by volcanoes. Details such as the small amount of food and water that were available and what happened to the grandfather's glasses put readers on that island along with these two scientists. This story is one that will linger with readers as they imagine being in a similar predicament of seemingly having been forgotten but also wondering if there really is such a thing as a wishing moment that made everything work out okay in the end. After all, there are things that happen that don't seem to make sense or don't have a logical explanation. The illustrations, created with inks, monoprints, and drawing are reminiscent of comic book artwork and work quite well for this particular story, which shows science and folklore clashing a bit.

[Tori Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids, 3.5 and 5 years, are obsessed with volcanoes, so we were stoked to find this gem at the library. This is a true tale about a man, the author's grandfather, who is stranded on a volcano on Iceland. Usually, books like this can be told in a way that is dry, or just out-of-reach of my kid's level to grasp, but not this one. The story is told in an engaging way, breaking the 4th wall to grab the child's attention and keep them riveted. The illustrations are also colorful and draw you into the story. Digital art is not my favorite, but the artist makes up for it with all the thought and detail put into illustrations. The artist personifies the volcano this adds to the element of magic of the story. I also appreciated, as the reader, that while the words are very much part of the illustrations and are woven through the pictures on each page, it's very easy to follow. The illustrator borrows techniques from comics and uses parts of the art, such the flow of lava, to guide your eyes from one sentence to the next. Bonus points for the last two pages which contain a wealth of information on volcanoes, Iceland, the specific island where the story takes place, and Norse mythology.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's certainly drama here, both in the script and in the illustrations. Both sides make for a commendable book. The story is of how the author's grandfather got to explore the early life of Surtsey, a whole new volcanic island that was formed off Iceland back in the 1960s, only the bloke who was supposed to collect him and his friend/colleague never turned up. Looking back on the book it might feel a slight and inconsequential read, and an inessential purchase, but the power of nature to make somewhere new that no man has ever walked before is nicely evoked, as is the sheer drama of being stuck there with no supplies or mobile phones, etc. The book also focuses on a magical, wish-fulfilment moment of the day, implying that that ancient lore also applies to months-old islands; either way it was a stroke of luck that got them off. Or did it – there is as it happens an aspect of all this that is a sheer lie. Richer than one dared expect, this deserves a strong four stars.

[Dean Asquith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical, funny and intelligent.

Stranded is a fantastic story of mythology, culture and VOLCANOES! My daughters absolutely adored listening to the story, learning about volcanoes and another culture. One culture that I personally find fascinating.

Aevar’s story is rich and inviting which teaches the reader without you realising it. My daughters were able to recount the story, parts they found interesting or simply a fact they learnt. All whilst enjoying the fun contained within the pages.

As well as the impressive story there is also an abundance of cultural and geological facts in the last pages of the book. This makes this book in my eyes a staple for schools. If I could introduce this book to my children’s school, i would do so in a heartbeat.

Stranded by Aevar Þór Benediktsson is a laughter out loud, intelligent children’s book that teaches culture, humanity and finally… FIRE MOUNTAINS!!!

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

This non-fiction picture book focuses on the author's grandfather's visit to the newly created volcanic island named Surtsey in 1964.

Benediktsson uses alot of humor to deliver what could have been very dry content about volcanoes, weaving this tale about his grandfather's experience into a rollicking roller coaster ride. His pacing is just right, with the inclusion of one untruth in the story (referring to it several times). By keeping it light, the reader is compelled to read to the finish.

Illustrations by Anne Wilson were prepared in inks, monoprints and drawing on paper, then digitally manipulated. They are work well with the large amount of text in the book. Use of bright colors and different sizes and types of font also energize the presentation. There is a-lot of writing on these pages, which might deter some readers, however in this format they will be inclined to stick with it.

Useful in units on personal narratives, volcanoes, and survival for grades 1-5.

[Gillian Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful story is based on the adventures of author Ævar Þór Benediktsson's grandfather. This fantastic and true story contains only one element which is false. The reader is left guessing throughout the story, what this single false moment is - and I can guarantee the reader will never guess! I love this element which brings added fun to this already amazing and hugely entertaining story. To add to this story, there are wonderfully colourful illustrations by Anne Wilson. Peppered amongst these drawings are nuggets of facts, humour and additional information that make this read altogether enjoyable and interesting. After reading Stranded! I realised what a beautiful country Iceland is. This is somewhere else to add to my bucket list 🙂

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be storytelling at its finest! The author's voice is so engaging that I was drawn in even to the most mundane parts of the story. I did find the extra "one little thing that's not true" scavenger hunt to be distracting, and a little annoying because I knew exactly what that one little thing was immediately, but I can forgive that. I think kids would get a kick out of how that played out because they might not catch it like an adult would. I feel like I just went on a lovely adventure. I also loved the treatment of the text and the illustrations and colors. The back matter is interesting and fun. I am going to make it a habit to look for my wishing moment every day, including going to visit Iceland! There is so much to love about this book!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and humorously told hybrid nonfiction tale of the author's grandfather's experience. The scientist grandfather and his companion set out to explore a newly formed volcanic island off the coast of Iceland. But at the arranged time, the boat that is supposed to pick them up does not return. The men are stranded!
The text is a bit wordy--use for middle elementary grades and up. Readers will want to know the one part of the book that is not true, and the author leads them along until the end. The illustrations are bold and similar to a graphic novel presentation.
Tie-in with science units about land form, volcanoes.
ELA: Hybrid nonfiction
Reading level: P

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What kid wouldn't be enamored by hearing a tale of visiting volcano? It's full of good advice, like if your shoes start to melt you probably shouldn't be standing there. The author breaks the fourth wall and tells us what we are all thinking, for example, you should never sleep next to a volcano and it can't be true that his Grandpa did (He did!). The illustrations in this book are bright and colorful! I loved them!

Unfortunately, my library only has this book available as an e-book. I'd love to read it to my class! It's just not the same reading it on the ViewBoard though. I think I've got to buy it!

[Michelle Cusolito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fun book will certainly appeal to the adventurous kid in your life. Lean how the author’s grandfather got stranded on the brand-new (still active) volcanic island of Surtsey, Iceland with little food or water and survived to tell the tale. Benediktsson’s direct address of the reader and funny side notes will keep readers laughing and engaged while Wilson’s vibrant illustrations enhance the whole experience.
Pair this book with Life on Surtsey: Iceland's Upstart Island by Loree Griffin Burns, Ph.D. for a deeper look at the science still being conducted on the island. Burns spent a week living on the same island and documenting the scientists’ research.

[Tina Moricz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stranded is a great picture book that is perfect for fans of the I Survived series. It has a catchy hook and narrative text. The author’s anecdotal commentary throughout make it fun to read. I plan to share it with my 4th graders who are studying how volcanoes form. I think they will be highly interested in Evar’s survival story and it will lead to some great inquiry about individuals who study volcanic activity. The end pages are filled with additional questions and answers too. I recommend adding it to your request list at your local library or purchasing a copy for your classroom.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author shares the mostly true story of how his grandfather became stranded on a volcanic island off the coast of Iceland in 1964. Detailed, richly-colored illustrations combine with unexpected humor and engaging storytelling to make this a surprisingly funny and suspenseful read. Kids will love searching for the lone detail that isn't true--and teachers/librarians will love how this tactic promotes close listening and involves the audience in the story.

An all-around excellent read-aloud and stellar example of everything nonfiction aspires to be.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is this counted as fiction, when the author repeatedly claims that it is all true (except for one tiny detail)? But it is an amusing anecdote from his grandfather about an adventure he had on the brand-new island of Surtsey in Iceland. This might be a good prompt to challenge students to get their grandparents to tell stories of their adventures as part of a genealogy project. It would also work as part of a volcano unit. The art is wonderful, with vibrant colors of lava and the island personified: Hawaiians would approve. This might be a bit much, however, for preschoolers.

[Zan Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

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"--

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my fav children’s book that I’ve read so far this year. I’m so excited about it.

The book is quick, informative and fun with unique and interesting illustrations.

The narration in the book was different from anything I’ve ever read and I loved the continuity about something in the book not being true and when you get to the end and find out what wasn’t true you laugh and be like WOW WHAT A STORY.

Highly recommend this book.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the 1960's a volcanic island, Surtsey, was formed off the coast of Iceland. The author's grandfather and his friend received permission to visit the island, explore and take photographs. A fisherman was supposed to pick them up and return them to Iceland the next day. For some reason, he didn't return and they were stranded...without food or water or a way back. This is their incredible story!

[Sarah Mckelvy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book. Stranded! is the story of AEvar and his friend who hitched a ride to Surtsey (an active volcano off the coast in Iceland). The fisherman did not pick them up the next day, so they were stranded!

I think my husband and I found this more amusing than our six year old son. The author was excellent at breaking the fourth wall and putting his humor into the book. Highly recommend!

[Ellee Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copyright date: 2023
Star rating: 5
Award: JLG Gold standard and ALA notable book
Genre: picture book
Summary w/ themes: This book is about the author's Grandpa, who went to an active volcano to explore it and got stranded.
Use for future classroom: This would be a good book to discuss volcanoes or to keep in my library
Thoughts of book: I really enjoyed this book; the illustrations are gorgeous, and the storyline is wonderful too.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story reads like a tall being passed down. The voice is strong, often hilarious and engages the reader. It is the true story of the author’s grandfather who explored a volcano with a friend and got stranded there for two days. It’s an entertaining story with solid backmatter about Iceland, volcanoes and Norse mythology - all of which play a role in the book.

[jyweniverel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative, quirky way to tell a true story. Not only do we get to read about a man’s adventure on a volcano, you will also get to learn more about volcanoes, Iceland, and its mythology. With colorful illustrations and a bit of a mystery, I wasn’t able to guess what wasn’t true, this is an excellent book.