Monty’s island is far away, surrounded by a magical sea. He and his friends love their home and the people and animals who live there. There is Bunchy the elephant who practises magic, but hasn’t had anything even remotely special happen. There is Marigold who runs the island Cafe, cooking all sorts of delicious wonders. There is Sir Wise the owl, and a cantankerous old pirate parrot called Clink.

One morning while beachcombing, Monty and his Lion friend Tawny discover a narrow, shiny, black box. Inside lays a real magical wand. They also find a message in a bottle with two gold coins. This would be exciting except its the same bottle they constantly find on the beach. Clink is the owner of this bottle, the note pleading with someone to save him and his treasure from the island.

Late for breakfast, they turn towards the Cafe path, only to hear their dolphin friend emerge from the waves with a dire warning. The ruthless pirate Scary Mary has been seen sailing close by. She is looking for a new island home! If she chooses their beautiful island, she will rip everything down, burn down the trees for her cooking fires, and capture everyone. How will they stop her?

Now back at the cafe, Bunchy spies the black box and grabs the magic wand, waving it in the air. When they tell everyone at the Cafe about Scary Mary, the other islanders are worried too as they know her reputation. They must find a place to hide, but realise it’s too late – Scary Mary’s ship is coming closer. Finally Bunchy can perform real magic, but none of it is as she plans, putting them all in even more danger. Can Monty think of a way to save them?

A new series by the author of the Deltora Quest series and the award winning His Name was Walter. Young readers will enjoy the antics of this group of friends on their green and gold island. Monty is the brains in the bunch, and they all look to him when things go wrong.

Each character adds humour or tension to the tale of pirates, magic, adventure and friendship.

Author -Emily Rodda

Illustrator – Lucinda Gifford

Age 6+

(Pirates, Island, Danger, Warning, Animals, Magic, Beachcombing, Treasure, Series, Humour, Funny, Talking animals)