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Isla of Adventure #1
Welcome to the Island
Meet the ever-curious Isla Verde, a young girl with a secret—she can speak with animals—in the first book of an all-new chapter book series!
Welcome to the adventurous island of Sol! For eight-year-old Isla Verde, Sol is the perfect place to live. The sun shines bright, the markets brim with delicious food and music, there are animal friends around every corner, and her best gecko buddy, Fitz, is up for almost every adventure!
Yes, Isla’s best friend is a gecko. In fact, that’s part of her big secret…she can speak to animals—and they speak right back! No one else knows about her special talent, not even Mama, Abuelo, or Abuela! But when new girl Tora moves in next door, Isla starts finding it harder to keep her secret under wraps.
With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Isla of Adventure chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.
Welcome to the adventurous island of Sol! For eight-year-old Isla Verde, Sol is the perfect place to live. The sun shines bright, the markets brim with delicious food and music, there are animal friends around every corner, and her best gecko buddy, Fitz, is up for almost every adventure!
Yes, Isla’s best friend is a gecko. In fact, that’s part of her big secret…she can speak to animals—and they speak right back! No one else knows about her special talent, not even Mama, Abuelo, or Abuela! But when new girl Tora moves in next door, Isla starts finding it harder to keep her secret under wraps.
With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Isla of Adventure chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2022
11 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 17, 2023
This...
This was absolutely adorable. I enjoyed my read of this. It was delightful in the most unexpected ways. It follows a main character by the name of Isla who lives on the island of Sol. She has a unique ability that allows her to communicate with animals. When a new neighbor moves in from the big city, Isla must decide how to not only show her the joys on living on the island, but she must also decide if she wants to share her secret ability.
The writing in this is perfect for a younger reader that is becoming more independent and is transitioning into reading chapter books. There was a great balance of illustrations and text. The storytelling was fun and clearly demonstrated some feelings that younger kids may experience. I'll definitely be continuing the rest of the series.
This was absolutely adorable. I enjoyed my read of this. It was delightful in the most unexpected ways. It follows a main character by the name of Isla who lives on the island of Sol. She has a unique ability that allows her to communicate with animals. When a new neighbor moves in from the big city, Isla must decide how to not only show her the joys on living on the island, but she must also decide if she wants to share her secret ability.
The writing in this is perfect for a younger reader that is becoming more independent and is transitioning into reading chapter books. There was a great balance of illustrations and text. The storytelling was fun and clearly demonstrated some feelings that younger kids may experience. I'll definitely be continuing the rest of the series.
May 2, 2023
A cute introduction to this series. The island is very reminiscent of Puerto Rico and I like the illustrations.
September 17, 2023
3.5 stars. I liked this series starter! We had to read it in multiple sittings and I think that did a disservice because it wasn't one that had a ton of plot to keep you engaged, but it was still sweet. This is about a girl named Isla who lives on the island of Sol and who can speak to animals. She doesn't have any human friends, but her best friend Fitz is a gecko who is always with her. Then a neighbor moves in and they have a daughter who is her aged named Tora. The 2 couldn't be more opposite and they don't instantly get along, but eventually Tora discovers her secret and thinks its super cool and it bonds them.
January 5, 2024
The tropical island of Sol is where Isla calls home. And she has a secret - she can talk to ALL the animals on the island! Her best friend is actually Fitz, the gecko. There are 3 houses on her street and when a young girl, Tora, moves in next door, Isla wants to become friends. But can Isla befriend Tora without exposing her secret?
This is a cute early chapter book series for girls.
This is a cute early chapter book series for girls.
May 30, 2023
WELCOME TO THE ISLAND is a delightful early chapter book that introduces Isla and her best friend, Fitz the gecko. Isla and Fitz live on the island of Sol, and Isla has a big secret - she can actually speak with all the animals on the island. When a new neighbor Tora moves in and seems quite different from her, Isla is not sure how she will connect, but she knows just the way to try!
When Tora's special pin from La Ciudad, her hometown, is swiped, Isla knows just how to find it again - by asking the animals and chasing down leads. Together, they go in search of finding of it, while meeting many of the delightful characters that make up the animals on Sol. However, Isla's secret may be really tough to keep under wraps with Tora's observant eyes.
What I loved: This is the first book in a really charming and fun series. Written as an early chapter book, it features detailed black-and-white illustrations on every page spread. There are few places where the amount of text is greater than the image size, which makes this a really approachable book for early chapter book readers. The images really bring Isla, Fitz, and the island to life, which will work well for children who are just beginning to appreciate longer and more complex stories. The font is also large and clear, which will aid in the independent reading process, with chapters that balance content and length well. For beginning chapter book readers, this series has all the highlights of a great starting choice!
The story itself is absolutely delightful, and the characters come to life in the telling. Isla, Fitz, Tora, and Fabio (a seagull) all have quite the personalities that are conveyed in the course of the story, and they become beloved characters quite quickly. The plot includes themes of making new friends, appreciating the ways others are different, kindness, and helping others that will resonate with readers in the intended age group - and also appeal to caregivers. The mystery of what happened to Tora's pin is charming and creates a little bit of drama that also allows the introduction of key characters while chasing down the leads. Isla being able to speak with animals is really clever and so much fun - the animals all have their own personalities too, as the reader is quick to learn! With the strong characters and fun twists, this is a story that readers can really love - and can create excitement for the rest of the series.
Final verdict: WELCOME TO THE ISLAND is a charming and delightful early chapter book that will captivate young readers with its clever plot, fantastic characters, and lush illustrations. Highly recommend picking up this book/series!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
When Tora's special pin from La Ciudad, her hometown, is swiped, Isla knows just how to find it again - by asking the animals and chasing down leads. Together, they go in search of finding of it, while meeting many of the delightful characters that make up the animals on Sol. However, Isla's secret may be really tough to keep under wraps with Tora's observant eyes.
What I loved: This is the first book in a really charming and fun series. Written as an early chapter book, it features detailed black-and-white illustrations on every page spread. There are few places where the amount of text is greater than the image size, which makes this a really approachable book for early chapter book readers. The images really bring Isla, Fitz, and the island to life, which will work well for children who are just beginning to appreciate longer and more complex stories. The font is also large and clear, which will aid in the independent reading process, with chapters that balance content and length well. For beginning chapter book readers, this series has all the highlights of a great starting choice!
The story itself is absolutely delightful, and the characters come to life in the telling. Isla, Fitz, Tora, and Fabio (a seagull) all have quite the personalities that are conveyed in the course of the story, and they become beloved characters quite quickly. The plot includes themes of making new friends, appreciating the ways others are different, kindness, and helping others that will resonate with readers in the intended age group - and also appeal to caregivers. The mystery of what happened to Tora's pin is charming and creates a little bit of drama that also allows the introduction of key characters while chasing down the leads. Isla being able to speak with animals is really clever and so much fun - the animals all have their own personalities too, as the reader is quick to learn! With the strong characters and fun twists, this is a story that readers can really love - and can create excitement for the rest of the series.
Final verdict: WELCOME TO THE ISLAND is a charming and delightful early chapter book that will captivate young readers with its clever plot, fantastic characters, and lush illustrations. Highly recommend picking up this book/series!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
April 13, 2023
Life on an island is anything but boring, and teamed up with this heroine, adventure is never far away.
Isla loves spending time outdoors and never is bored on the island. When a new girl moves in next door, who looks anything but adventurous, Isla is a little unsure but decides to give this new friendship possibility a go. But the girl from the city is overly cautious and careful, and if she discovers Isla's biggest secret, she might never speak to Isla again.
Readers, who have a pretty good handle on their words, will easily sink into this read. The font is on the large side, and the vocabulary fits nicely. There is a little information about animals peppered in, but not too much. Lively illustrations on every page make the tale come to life and keep more reluctant readers from being scared away.
This is a fun mix of daily life and animal fantasy with life lessons tossed in. Isla's lives in a normal town on a usual street in an everyday neighborhood...it's just that it is on an island where the forest, beaches and such are only steps away. This settles readers down in a familiar setting before launching into the excitement on the side. The reader meets Isla's gecko friend right away and is eased into Isla's ability to talk with animals with finesse, which keeps it from slamming and makes it come across in natural style. The flow between reality and fantasy blurs with wonderful smoothness and invites readers in.
While Isla's Doctor Doolittle talents set the stage, this is only one layer to Isla's adventures. The difficulties and uncertainty of forming a new friendship with someone, who is seemingly very different, is addressed as well as the uncertainty when revealing something personal. Of course, there is some animal craziness and very good dose of humor, which makes this a fun, light read with tons of heart. Readers will want to join Isla on her island and head out into adventure with her, too.
I received a complimentary copy and look forward to diving into Isla's next adventures.
Isla loves spending time outdoors and never is bored on the island. When a new girl moves in next door, who looks anything but adventurous, Isla is a little unsure but decides to give this new friendship possibility a go. But the girl from the city is overly cautious and careful, and if she discovers Isla's biggest secret, she might never speak to Isla again.
Readers, who have a pretty good handle on their words, will easily sink into this read. The font is on the large side, and the vocabulary fits nicely. There is a little information about animals peppered in, but not too much. Lively illustrations on every page make the tale come to life and keep more reluctant readers from being scared away.
This is a fun mix of daily life and animal fantasy with life lessons tossed in. Isla's lives in a normal town on a usual street in an everyday neighborhood...it's just that it is on an island where the forest, beaches and such are only steps away. This settles readers down in a familiar setting before launching into the excitement on the side. The reader meets Isla's gecko friend right away and is eased into Isla's ability to talk with animals with finesse, which keeps it from slamming and makes it come across in natural style. The flow between reality and fantasy blurs with wonderful smoothness and invites readers in.
While Isla's Doctor Doolittle talents set the stage, this is only one layer to Isla's adventures. The difficulties and uncertainty of forming a new friendship with someone, who is seemingly very different, is addressed as well as the uncertainty when revealing something personal. Of course, there is some animal craziness and very good dose of humor, which makes this a fun, light read with tons of heart. Readers will want to join Isla on her island and head out into adventure with her, too.
I received a complimentary copy and look forward to diving into Isla's next adventures.
May 3, 2023
8-year-old Isla Verde, who lives on an island and loves to explore and have adventures, has a secret: she can talk to animals! But will Isla's love of animals hinder her budding friendship with a nature-hating new neighbor?
When a family moves into the house next door, Isla is thrilled to learn that one of her new neighbors is a girl just her age. Maybe this is her chance to finally make some human friends? But Isla and the new girl, Tora Rosa, don’t seem to have anything in common. Isla doesn’t mind getting dirty while everything about Tora is neat and clean and pink. Isla has a pet gecko who often sits on her shoulder, while Tora is afraid to touch anything with scales, feathers, or fur. When one of Tora’s prized possessions is stolen by a jealous seagull, only Isla has the skills to save the day. But should Isla help, if helping means spilling her secret? And will Tora still want to be friends if she knows Isla can talk to animals?
First in a new series of transitional chapter books, this charming story features short chapters, plenty of white space, and black-and-white illustrations on every spread.
When a family moves into the house next door, Isla is thrilled to learn that one of her new neighbors is a girl just her age. Maybe this is her chance to finally make some human friends? But Isla and the new girl, Tora Rosa, don’t seem to have anything in common. Isla doesn’t mind getting dirty while everything about Tora is neat and clean and pink. Isla has a pet gecko who often sits on her shoulder, while Tora is afraid to touch anything with scales, feathers, or fur. When one of Tora’s prized possessions is stolen by a jealous seagull, only Isla has the skills to save the day. But should Isla help, if helping means spilling her secret? And will Tora still want to be friends if she knows Isla can talk to animals?
First in a new series of transitional chapter books, this charming story features short chapters, plenty of white space, and black-and-white illustrations on every spread.
April 11, 2024
The Island of Sol is a tropical oasis with lots of nature and wildlife to keep any adventurer entertained. Isla Verde is one such adventurer, but with a unique talent - she can talk to animals! When the prospect of making a new human friend comes along, Isla is worried that her ability to talk to animals will make her come across as weird. This book (and the series to follow) is all about making friends and celebrating their differences. Sometimes it's the things that make us different that bring us together.
Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library!
Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library!
November 5, 2023
Isla has a secret: she can talk to animals! Nobody knows, and she plans to keep it that way, but it's really difficult to hide her kinda strange behavior as she tries to befriend her new neighbor, Tora. It's an enjoyable story that kept moving along more and was more interesting than a lot of first chapter books. I wouldn't mind if they made these with full-color illustrations. Really reminded me of the Wild Thornberrys TV show. For fans of Ivy + Bean with the opposite friend dynamic and Rica Baptista.
May 22, 2023
If you are wanting to start an easy chapter read aloud with littles this one is a huge hit…from the storyline of Isla living on an island and being able to chat with her animal friends 🦎 to having a new neighbor and making them feel welcome… every page has illustrations that I can’t even begin to tell you how much my girls loved… it’s always so nice to ask them questions about the text when there is a picture.
A great addition to our shelves that I can’t wait for them to read solo one day!
A great addition to our shelves that I can’t wait for them to read solo one day!
September 2, 2023
"Everything fit together perfectly on the island of Sol. Even the breeze blew gently, as if it were waving hello." A sweet story with a pleasant writing style. My seven-year-old animal lover really enjoyed this and I did, too. The island atmosphere shines through and it's a sweet story of making a new friend and finding shared interests even when you seem different at first. My favorite in the series is this first one, but the rest of the series is pretty good, too.
April 2, 2024
It’s always been Isla and her gecko best friend, but when a new girl, Tora, moves next door, Isla has a chance to make a human friend. What will Tora think about Isla’s ability to talk to animals? Full of adorable illustrations and fun characters such as the seagull who thinks he’s a pop star, this beginning chapter book will keep you laughing until the end. For more about Isla of Adventure, read the whole series.
January 22, 2023
This is such a cute new series! Perfect for early readers and including a few Spanish words (the main character’s name, Isla Verde, the island’s name Sol, and a few more), this book introduces the characters and Isla’s secret, as well as her new friend. We loved that almost every page had illustrations on it!
May 18, 2023
Cute! Isla is nervous about meeting a new human friend and sharing her secret ability to talk to animals. There's not much else to say -- she's sweet, her mom is nice, the new folks are initially a bit off-putting but turn out to be fine.
September 3, 2023
Read this to be sure it was good for Jules, who then read it and loved it! Nothing especially unique, but cute, clean, age-appropriate fun: a girl on the island of Sol can talk with the animals…so how does she navigate that secret when trying to make friends with the new neighbor girl?
December 16, 2023
Isla lives in an island, where her best friends are animals that she can talk to. Isla's adventure begins when a new girl moves into her street and she wonders if she can be friends with someone who is neat and really into pink. It's a great book because there's a few mini adventures that fit into the overarching plot of welcoming someone new and making friends.
March 26, 2024
Such a cute early chapter book for your emerging readers! The font is large and bolded which makes it easier to read and the story was very interesting and easy to follow. I'm looking forward to recommending this series to animal and adventure lovers at my library.
March 13, 2025
Cute cute cute cute cuuuuuuuuuuuuute. Unlike some other transitional readers, the writing is SO engaging and the story is great. It's longer and it's got bigger vocabulary, so definitely for kids transitioning to longer chapter books/novels.
July 14, 2025
Isla is a girl who lives on and island called Sol. She can talk to animals! A new kid, Tora, moves in next door. Isla eventually tells Tora her secret, and Tora loves it. They become human best friends
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 31, 2025Zoey - thumbs down because the seagull wasn’t being nice! He stole the pin on the neighbor’s shirt.
Robbie - thumbs middle because some parts are bad because he stole the badge. Speaking to animals is pretty pretty fun and going on an adventure.
Robbie - thumbs middle because some parts are bad because he stole the badge. Speaking to animals is pretty pretty fun and going on an adventure.
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August 30, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
October 25, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
February 15, 2023
There is plenty of promise in this cute series opener about a girl who can talk to animals and has to learn to talk to other kids her age when a new girl moves to the island.
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February 16, 2023Super cute, great for 1st-3rd graders
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March 25, 2023Read aloud with KR
March 30, 2023
This is really cute, and I like how we get both views of someone who lives on the island v. someone who just moved there.
June 17, 2023
Isla can talk to animals and she is worried about her secret getting out when a new girl moves in next door.
April 5, 2024
Finally found another series that Zola likes! Move over Miss Junie B. :)
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June 27, 2024Cute story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews