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Shipwrecked
"The perfect adventure story, packed with humour, just the right amount of danger and with amazing illustrations." Dermot O'Leary
Three kids face shipwrecks, survival and pirates in the latest adventure from bestselling and award-winning author Jenny Pearson.
Sebastian Sunrise and his two best friends, Lina and Étienne, are in a bit of trouble. They are stranded on a desert island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, after a rowing race went very, very wrong.
The friends have no idea how long they might have to stay on the island, so they make a plan. They will try to survive, look after the island's baby turtles, and have fun, if they can.
But Sebastian's life has never gone to plan, and they quickly face jellyfish stings, burnt bums and an out-of-control goat. But when a boat arrives, bringing pirates who want to hunt the island's baby turtles, the friends face their greatest danger yet...
Three kids face shipwrecks, survival and pirates in the latest adventure from bestselling and award-winning author Jenny Pearson.
Sebastian Sunrise and his two best friends, Lina and Étienne, are in a bit of trouble. They are stranded on a desert island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, after a rowing race went very, very wrong.
The friends have no idea how long they might have to stay on the island, so they make a plan. They will try to survive, look after the island's baby turtles, and have fun, if they can.
But Sebastian's life has never gone to plan, and they quickly face jellyfish stings, burnt bums and an out-of-control goat. But when a boat arrives, bringing pirates who want to hunt the island's baby turtles, the friends face their greatest danger yet...
Paperback
First published August 1, 2024
8 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Pearson
36 books101 followersJenny Pearson is a technical writer and an artist who loves to write and draw. She enjoys working with kids, whether it's engaging them with arts and crafts activities, helping them learn basic concepts, or just inspiring cute moments. With loads of patience, sunny smiles, and a healthy dose of kindness, almost any day can be a great day.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 14, 2024
Teenage Crusoe story, hugely entertaining and heartfelt.
I loved this. As well I knew I would after loving The Boy Who Made Monsters. Pearson gets the young voice of her characters just right, and imbues them with the attitudes, personalities and ways of talking that hit the mark. They have realistic foibles and worries, and here the main threesome are a great 'comedy duo'-in three of clashing personas caught in a situation together.
And that situation? Well, it must take a good deal of thought to realistically strand three children in today's tech-heavy age on a desert island. But the author does it. Sebastian, Lina and Etienne are all students at sea (Sebastian's father is a captain), learning about oceans and ecology, when his ego leads them into a rowing race out of sight of adults... and a storm blows up...
Hardly 'shipwrecked' as the title suggests as there is no wreck (but ShipLost doesn't have the same ring to it, does it?), the three float worryingly on the water for days until land in the form of a small island is sighted.
With a bossy 'team leader' reading them excerpts from Lord of the Flies and a homesick animal-lover naming all the local creatures to prevent the group from eating them, Sebastian and his friends are going to have to get along, work together and try and keep their hopes up that rescue or a chance to get home will present itself.
The chapters, each presented as survival skills tips were just wonderfully funny, there are moments I laughed aloud, and I loved all three of the group. I would have liked to know a bit more about a certain goat who seemed to understand human speech... I bet there's some backstory there, especially as there didn't seem to be other goats on the island?? A Garibaldi spin off, Ms Pearson?
Fantastically entertaining, I'm going to see if I can get my 13-year-old son to try this. My review copy did not have illustrations so I cannot comment on these, sadly, but I'll be recommending the book to ages 9-13.
With thanks to the publisher for providing a sample reading copy.
I loved this. As well I knew I would after loving The Boy Who Made Monsters. Pearson gets the young voice of her characters just right, and imbues them with the attitudes, personalities and ways of talking that hit the mark. They have realistic foibles and worries, and here the main threesome are a great 'comedy duo'-in three of clashing personas caught in a situation together.
And that situation? Well, it must take a good deal of thought to realistically strand three children in today's tech-heavy age on a desert island. But the author does it. Sebastian, Lina and Etienne are all students at sea (Sebastian's father is a captain), learning about oceans and ecology, when his ego leads them into a rowing race out of sight of adults... and a storm blows up...
Hardly 'shipwrecked' as the title suggests as there is no wreck (but ShipLost doesn't have the same ring to it, does it?), the three float worryingly on the water for days until land in the form of a small island is sighted.
With a bossy 'team leader' reading them excerpts from Lord of the Flies and a homesick animal-lover naming all the local creatures to prevent the group from eating them, Sebastian and his friends are going to have to get along, work together and try and keep their hopes up that rescue or a chance to get home will present itself.
The chapters, each presented as survival skills tips were just wonderfully funny, there are moments I laughed aloud, and I loved all three of the group. I would have liked to know a bit more about a certain goat who seemed to understand human speech... I bet there's some backstory there, especially as there didn't seem to be other goats on the island?? A Garibaldi spin off, Ms Pearson?
Fantastically entertaining, I'm going to see if I can get my 13-year-old son to try this. My review copy did not have illustrations so I cannot comment on these, sadly, but I'll be recommending the book to ages 9-13.
With thanks to the publisher for providing a sample reading copy.
May 11, 2024
I just adore a Jenny Pearson book, she's not afraid to tackle serious subjects but she does it in a humorous way.
And this book is no different.
First of all what amazing named characters, Sebastian certainly lives up to his surname Sunrise. He just always seemed to look on the bright side of life.I have to say Etienne was by far my favourite character. THe dialogue is so natural that you could hear it out in the playground.
I loved the children’s survival skills and how they learnt to work together.
Of course this does tackle some important environmental issues, and it goes to show that the younger generation will be the ones to save it.
And this book is no different.
First of all what amazing named characters, Sebastian certainly lives up to his surname Sunrise. He just always seemed to look on the bright side of life.I have to say Etienne was by far my favourite character. THe dialogue is so natural that you could hear it out in the playground.
I loved the children’s survival skills and how they learnt to work together.
Of course this does tackle some important environmental issues, and it goes to show that the younger generation will be the ones to save it.
February 19, 2025
2.5 stars
This had so much potential as a book. As a big fan of Rundell’s The Explorer, I figured this would be in a similar vein. It’s not. I found the protagonist, Sebastian, extremely annoying.
It’s taken me 6 months to read which I think speaks volumes as it’s not been a book I’ve been desperate to see how it turns out.
Operation Nativity is an excellent book by Jenny Pearson; this one just wasn’t the one.
This had so much potential as a book. As a big fan of Rundell’s The Explorer, I figured this would be in a similar vein. It’s not. I found the protagonist, Sebastian, extremely annoying.
It’s taken me 6 months to read which I think speaks volumes as it’s not been a book I’ve been desperate to see how it turns out.
Operation Nativity is an excellent book by Jenny Pearson; this one just wasn’t the one.
May 20, 2025
It was really funny and l laughed out loud nearly every page…but as the book went on, l felt like it wasn’t going to go anywhere until the turtle traffickers arrived and then (for me) it finally moved on. All in all though, l really enjoyed it and l really like Jenny Pearson! 😊 She tried her best and accomplished great things and that’s all that matters really! 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
Lots of fun. Really enjoyed it.
May 30, 2024
Being stranded on an island can be stressful, even if your best friends are with you! Sebastian, Etienne and Lina are finding that out first hand, when a school trip goes very wrong.
Trying to make the best of things, the trio start making plans that include looking after their own needs and protecting the baby turtles on the island. The former is not so easy, given the combination of jellyfish and sunburn.
Nor does the latter turn out to be straightforward, though the kids are well intentioned. Unfortunately, they haven't bargained for a bunch of pirates showing up with rather different plans...
Jenny Pearson has come up with a very funny book which should be a smash hit with the target age group - and a few readers who, strictly speaking, may not actually belong in that group at all! An enjoyable read. This one gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Trying to make the best of things, the trio start making plans that include looking after their own needs and protecting the baby turtles on the island. The former is not so easy, given the combination of jellyfish and sunburn.
Nor does the latter turn out to be straightforward, though the kids are well intentioned. Unfortunately, they haven't bargained for a bunch of pirates showing up with rather different plans...
Jenny Pearson has come up with a very funny book which should be a smash hit with the target age group - and a few readers who, strictly speaking, may not actually belong in that group at all! An enjoyable read. This one gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
July 22, 2024
Sebastian has signed up for a Climate Avengers camp during the summer holidays but his competitiveness & desire to prove that he’s more capable than others believe, leads him to issue a reckless challenge which results in him & a couple of friends being shipwrecked on a deserted island in the middle of the Pacific.
What follows is a story of survival, bravery and friendship. I liked the different characters - Lina and her constant references to Lord of the Flies and Etienne and his love of animals.
I love Jenny Pearson’s books but this didn’t quite match up to her previous ones as I felt it wasn’t as pacy as her other stories. Still one to enjoy though.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What follows is a story of survival, bravery and friendship. I liked the different characters - Lina and her constant references to Lord of the Flies and Etienne and his love of animals.
I love Jenny Pearson’s books but this didn’t quite match up to her previous ones as I felt it wasn’t as pacy as her other stories. Still one to enjoy though.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2024
I was so excited to receive a copy of this prior to its publication! I've loved reading all Jenny Pearson books to my classes over the past few years and this one did not disappoint.
Full of Pearson's trademark humour, she addresses issues that young people can experience in a beautiful way. One that children can relate to.
I myself laughing about the coconut tree friction burns, dodgy unripe berries and the goat, Giuseppe.
Reading a proof copy, I did not get to see the illustrations so am excited to see the published version!
I shared the blurb with my class the other day and now they are fighting over who will get the first copy!
Full of Pearson's trademark humour, she addresses issues that young people can experience in a beautiful way. One that children can relate to.
I myself laughing about the coconut tree friction burns, dodgy unripe berries and the goat, Giuseppe.
Reading a proof copy, I did not get to see the illustrations so am excited to see the published version!
I shared the blurb with my class the other day and now they are fighting over who will get the first copy!
July 16, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Usborne Publishing for this eCopy to review
Shipwrecked is a fantastically funny adventure, Sebastian, Lina and Étienne end up stranded on a desert island. We follow them as they try to survive, look after the baby turtles and fend off a pirate attack. A great story of how friends work together with some eco themes too.
A great book for children of all ages and definitely had us laughing out loud, goats, jellyfish and burnt bottoms
Shipwrecked is a fantastically funny adventure, Sebastian, Lina and Étienne end up stranded on a desert island. We follow them as they try to survive, look after the baby turtles and fend off a pirate attack. A great story of how friends work together with some eco themes too.
A great book for children of all ages and definitely had us laughing out loud, goats, jellyfish and burnt bottoms
August 8, 2024
A good children’s adventure story, children on camp end up on a deserted island and they want to prove that they can survive. It’s funny with great illustrations that really would help the younger reader. I liked that the children were protecting the turtles and helping preserve the ocean.
A 4 star read which most children will really enjoy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
A 4 star read which most children will really enjoy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
April 7, 2024
Man, I loved Shipwrecked so much. These kids, their adventure, their survival skills… they’re braver than I ever could be! There’s gorgeous friendships in this, and some amazing messages about being kind to our marine animals/seas. This is funny, charming, unputdownable and gloriously readable! I just loved every second. I can’t wait to see a finished copy with illustrations!
August 20, 2024
I wanted to love this and I know many children will really enjoy it so I'm happy to recommend it. But I didn't love it. The last quarter was really good and full of action, I just felt the initial ¾ of the book dragged a bit and I'm not sure the LOTF references are quite right for the target audience. All that said I know that quite a few of my Y4-6s will enjoy it.
September 29, 2024
3.75 stars. I love Jenny's writing! A sweet, funny and touching story about group of kids getting stranded on a desert island. Explores the dynamics between characters and has an environmental message.
August 18, 2024
I just wasn’t overwhelmed by this one. Truthfully I got kind of bored being on the island.
October 19, 2024
Bedtime book with the kids.
December 14, 2024
Funny and sweet it was like reading a comic but with more meat on the bones.
August 10, 2025
I loved it! Great characters, story-telling and setting.
Whilst probably stretching the reality it was engaging, funny, uplifting. Good examples of working together, friendship, lots of emotions.
Whilst probably stretching the reality it was engaging, funny, uplifting. Good examples of working together, friendship, lots of emotions.
September 15, 2025
Amazing I couldn’t put the book down
December 29, 2025
This book was recommended for 10 year olds but I can’t see my year 4 class engaging with this. Some funny parts in between though.
December 22, 2025
4.5*
I think Pearson has nailed the humour in this. It is funny without the characters being rude, naughty or unpleasant to each other. It's really refreshing to see humour done well for this age group!
She is also able to talk about difficult issues like the breakdown of a family and climate change without the story becoming bleak and hopeless.
I found the characters really likeable. Sebastian has a great character arc and development, and some really good moments of reflection along the way. All done with a light tone and humour.
This book explores the trauma of having a parent walk out on you and say that they don't want you and pretend like they're doing it for your good. I think Pearson handles this all really well, but young or sensitive readers may find this topic very hard or stressful.
Overall, a brilliant survival book with some really wholesome stuff in!
'Étienne kept gasping and saying, "Praise the Lord," and to be honest, watching what was unfolding in front of us, it made me think that someone really ought to be praised for it.' p.187
"...no matter what I achieve, how many times I win, it never feels enough." Benedict p.297
"It doesn't matter who you chose, Sebastian. Because I choose you."
CW:
- Lang - what the heck p.63, blimey p.65, 98, crikey p.80, sucking up p.94, cripes p.110, little blighter p.121, 136, sheesh 141, oh lord p.161, holy lord of goats p.173,
- references to Lord of the Flies and them killing each other and putting a pig's head on a stake
- mother left her family because she a separation is what she wanted. Her son wants to stay with her when he's given the choice, but she refuses and doesn't want him. Instead, she wants to make it as an actress in America, and get the success that she believed she would have had if she hadn't had him. This is thankfully shown in a very negative light and not as female empowerment, but some children may find it sad and distressing.
- reference to carrying a realistic severed head for trick or treating
- eco stuff that might feel a bit overwhelming for children who are sensitive or worried about the environment
- animal trafficking
- reference to cannibalism
- reference to karma
- pig's head being tossed around
I think Pearson has nailed the humour in this. It is funny without the characters being rude, naughty or unpleasant to each other. It's really refreshing to see humour done well for this age group!
She is also able to talk about difficult issues like the breakdown of a family and climate change without the story becoming bleak and hopeless.
I found the characters really likeable. Sebastian has a great character arc and development, and some really good moments of reflection along the way. All done with a light tone and humour.
This book explores the trauma of having a parent walk out on you and say that they don't want you and pretend like they're doing it for your good. I think Pearson handles this all really well, but young or sensitive readers may find this topic very hard or stressful.
Overall, a brilliant survival book with some really wholesome stuff in!
'Étienne kept gasping and saying, "Praise the Lord," and to be honest, watching what was unfolding in front of us, it made me think that someone really ought to be praised for it.' p.187
"...no matter what I achieve, how many times I win, it never feels enough." Benedict p.297
"It doesn't matter who you chose, Sebastian. Because I choose you."
CW:
- Lang - what the heck p.63, blimey p.65, 98, crikey p.80, sucking up p.94, cripes p.110, little blighter p.121, 136, sheesh 141, oh lord p.161, holy lord of goats p.173,
- references to Lord of the Flies and them killing each other and putting a pig's head on a stake
- mother left her family because she a separation is what she wanted. Her son wants to stay with her when he's given the choice, but she refuses and doesn't want him. Instead, she wants to make it as an actress in America, and get the success that she believed she would have had if she hadn't had him. This is thankfully shown in a very negative light and not as female empowerment, but some children may find it sad and distressing.
- reference to carrying a realistic severed head for trick or treating
- eco stuff that might feel a bit overwhelming for children who are sensitive or worried about the environment
- animal trafficking
- reference to cannibalism
- reference to karma
- pig's head being tossed around
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews