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Wind Riders #1
Rescue on Turtle Beach
Hop aboard Wind Rider, a magical sailboat, with Max and Sofia, two kids trying to save the environment one problem at a time. Their first mission? Rescuing baby sea turtles in the beautiful waters of Hawaii.
Max and Sofia are ordinary kids whose lives are changed when they discover an abandoned sailboat. They’re given the chance to make a real impact when the boat magically brings them them to a different corner of the world to help other kids save their environment!
Wind Riders: Rescue on Turtle Beach is the first book in an illustrated chapter book series about Max and Sofia’s adventures tackling real world problems. Each story visits a new location and introduces a human-made problem endangering animals and the environment.
With nature’s highest stakes and environmental activism baked into each book, as well as fun scientific facts included at the end, Wind Riders promises to be the chapter book series for newly independent readers who love nature documentaries and are hungry to learn about the world around them.
There is beautiful two-color art throughout and an emphasis on collaborative problem-solving, compassion for the Earth and all its inhabitants, and friendship. The books are printed on partially recycled paper. Wind Riders is the perfect STEM chapter book series for fans of Magic Tree House, The Magic School Bus, and Zoey and Sassafras.
Max and Sofia are ordinary kids whose lives are changed when they discover an abandoned sailboat. They’re given the chance to make a real impact when the boat magically brings them them to a different corner of the world to help other kids save their environment!
Wind Riders: Rescue on Turtle Beach is the first book in an illustrated chapter book series about Max and Sofia’s adventures tackling real world problems. Each story visits a new location and introduces a human-made problem endangering animals and the environment.
With nature’s highest stakes and environmental activism baked into each book, as well as fun scientific facts included at the end, Wind Riders promises to be the chapter book series for newly independent readers who love nature documentaries and are hungry to learn about the world around them.
There is beautiful two-color art throughout and an emphasis on collaborative problem-solving, compassion for the Earth and all its inhabitants, and friendship. The books are printed on partially recycled paper. Wind Riders is the perfect STEM chapter book series for fans of Magic Tree House, The Magic School Bus, and Zoey and Sassafras.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published July 6, 2021
22 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 22, 2021
I was really excited about this book because I live in an area with a lot of sea turtle activity and a wonderful local sea turtle hospital/rescue facility.
There were a lot of good things about the book, to be fair. I enjoyed the facts at the end of the book, including things that people can do to help sea turtles. And if I would have been reading this as just a story, I think my rating would be higher, because it is a very imaginative early chapter book and I like the ecology connection.
My main concern is in how the issue of light pollution affecting sea turtles was handled in the book. This is a real issue when it comes to sea turtles, particularly baby sea turtle hatchlings that may be tempted to move towards lights on the shore instead of moonlight or starlight on the water. In the book, there is a hotel on the beach throwing a grand opening party which will cast a lot of light and possibly cause the turtle hatchlings to head in the wrong direction. To solve this problem, the kids went out to a nearby lighthouse and helped the lighthouse keeper turn on the light to cast even more light onto the water so the baby sea turtles would instead head in that direction instead.
I wish that rather than this, the kids in the book would have talked to the hotel staff/owners and come up with a solution so that their hotel wouldn't be lighting up the beach so much. This is possible and a much more realistic long-term solution to the problem presented in the book. I know it's a fictional story, but since it really did focus a lot on sea turtle facts and rescue and might attract an audience of kids who really care about this, I think it's important to have a resolution that will help for more than just one night or in only one area where there just happens to be a lighthouse.
There were a lot of good things about the book, to be fair. I enjoyed the facts at the end of the book, including things that people can do to help sea turtles. And if I would have been reading this as just a story, I think my rating would be higher, because it is a very imaginative early chapter book and I like the ecology connection.
My main concern is in how the issue of light pollution affecting sea turtles was handled in the book. This is a real issue when it comes to sea turtles, particularly baby sea turtle hatchlings that may be tempted to move towards lights on the shore instead of moonlight or starlight on the water. In the book, there is a hotel on the beach throwing a grand opening party which will cast a lot of light and possibly cause the turtle hatchlings to head in the wrong direction. To solve this problem, the kids went out to a nearby lighthouse and helped the lighthouse keeper turn on the light to cast even more light onto the water so the baby sea turtles would instead head in that direction instead.
I wish that rather than this, the kids in the book would have talked to the hotel staff/owners and come up with a solution so that their hotel wouldn't be lighting up the beach so much. This is possible and a much more realistic long-term solution to the problem presented in the book. I know it's a fictional story, but since it really did focus a lot on sea turtle facts and rescue and might attract an audience of kids who really care about this, I think it's important to have a resolution that will help for more than just one night or in only one area where there just happens to be a lighthouse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2023
Magic Tree House with an environmental emphasis. Here our young protagonists are whisked away, not in a tree house, but in a magical boat (with a seagull that fetches them when needed) and taken to distant locations where they help animals in need. The writing style is engaging, I like the descriptions of the location and the way the children take an active role in helping animals. The illustrations are nice. However, I also feel it’s a bit heavy-handed at times and young readers sensitive to animal peril will want to proceed with caution. Though, I am glad the back matter provides some information on ways you can help with conservation in your own daily life and, of course, our hero and heroine manage to save the day.
I had some quibbles with this first book because the children are a bit too actively involved, IMO – they are not trained to handle wildlife and could do more harm than good, or be harmed themselves. Also, they go to the (light)house of a man they don’t know and go inside without any trusted adults being present or even knowing where they are. While this sort of thing may work in a fantasy book, this book is too real-world for that to feel acceptable. Also, I’m pretty sure that you are not allowed to take turtle shells from the beach as a souvenir – even if you did help the turtle that hatched from it.
So, some good going for this series, but also some problems that could have easily been avoided with more careful editing, IMO.
My nine-year-old enjoyed this book and wanted to read more in the series.
See also: The Sea Turtle Mystery and the related Boxcar Children Endangered Animal series.
I had some quibbles with this first book because the children are a bit too actively involved, IMO – they are not trained to handle wildlife and could do more harm than good, or be harmed themselves. Also, they go to the (light)house of a man they don’t know and go inside without any trusted adults being present or even knowing where they are. While this sort of thing may work in a fantasy book, this book is too real-world for that to feel acceptable. Also, I’m pretty sure that you are not allowed to take turtle shells from the beach as a souvenir – even if you did help the turtle that hatched from it.
So, some good going for this series, but also some problems that could have easily been avoided with more careful editing, IMO.
My nine-year-old enjoyed this book and wanted to read more in the series.
See also: The Sea Turtle Mystery and the related Boxcar Children Endangered Animal series.
January 11, 2023
What a great early chapter book! My 8yo son enjoyed the story, the bigger type, and the appealing illustrations. He also enjoyed the conservation aspects of the story. Immediately after finishing, he brought me the book and insisted that I read it. I was pleased that it is well written and doesn't feel simplified or dumbed down. I also enjoyed the extras at the back of the book to give curious kids a few extra facts.
My son has already read the second book in the series, and I'm working on getting the last two from the library for him. A definite hit!
My son has already read the second book in the series, and I'm working on getting the last two from the library for him. A definite hit!
January 18, 2022
This cute, short adventure starts when Max and his grandfather are getting ready to set sail to fish in the sea nearby. Max is super excited to eat his ice cream sandwich out at sea. As he is thinking about his sweet treat he sees a seagull steal a girl's ice cream cone. Max brings an ice cream sandwich to Sofia to share and as they are eating and getting to know each other, they see a seagull trapped in a fishing line. The two go to help the seagull but it waddles away and they finally catch it to untangle it. They see that the seagull has brought them to an abandoned ship and then they decide to look inside it . As they look around, suddenly, the ships start moving and taking them on their first adventure to Turtle island to save the baby turtles! This book is recommended for kids who are interested in environmental activism and saving the planet’s precious creatures.
Reviewed by: Miss Nessa, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Reviewed by: Miss Nessa, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
April 8, 2022
Sweet little junior chapter book for adventure fans, with nautical and ecological themes. The two kids stumble across a mouldy old boat, but when they climb aboard, it becomes beautiful and cosy and whisks them away across the seas. On this adventure they help solve a light solution problem to aid newly hatched turtles find their way to the sea. The cover is appealing, the chapters are short and the story moves quickly. My 7 year olds will love these stories I think.
May 2, 2021
This was a really cute chapter book reminiscent of Magic Tree House, instead of tree house that takes these 2 kids to different time periods, Max & Sofia have a boat that takes them all over the world without any time passing in their regular location even though they have been gone all day with the boat. I really like the story and it was a good concept with the sentient boat that sent them where they need to be in this case Hawaii to help save the baby turtles that were hatching that night and who use the moons light on the ocean to know where to go and with hotels encroaching on their hatching grounds they can get distracted by the light from the hotel events and end up going away from the ocean. This was a really good first book and gave some really good facts about conservation and at the end of the book you get the place they went to and facts on the animals they are trying to help.
Thanks to Harper Collins Children’s Books and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.
Thanks to Harper Collins Children’s Books and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.
February 3, 2021
This book would be great for an easy and quick chapter book for the classroom. Or, this would be a good read for one on one in the classroom. Two best friends find a boat in the middle of the woods. Once they get on, they are transported to the sea. They meet a new friend on the beach, swim with sea turtles underwater, help baby turtles get to the water, and visit a lighthouse. All the while, time has stood still back home.
July 8, 2023
If not for a greedy ice-cream stealing seagull, Max and Sofia would not have wandered away from the Starry Bay beach into the mangrove. There, they come across an abandoned sailboat that magically takes them to Hawaii where baby sea turtle eggs are about to hatch. Because of light pollution from a nearby hotel, they have to find a way to guide the baby turtles into the ocean.
This is the first of four highly illustrated early chapter books about human-made problems endangering animals and the environment. Perfect for fans of the Magic Treehouse series.
I absolutely adored the turquoise + gray illustrations. Also enjoyed the back matter material about the Hawaiian islands and sea turtles. This would be a great classroom or book club read aloud.
This is the first of four highly illustrated early chapter books about human-made problems endangering animals and the environment. Perfect for fans of the Magic Treehouse series.
I absolutely adored the turquoise + gray illustrations. Also enjoyed the back matter material about the Hawaiian islands and sea turtles. This would be a great classroom or book club read aloud.
June 14, 2023
When I first saw Wind Riders: Rescue on Turtle Beach at my local library, it immediately caught my eye. After pulling the book off the shelf, I quickly realized that the visual allure went beyond the beautifully illustrated cover. The illustrations sprinkled throughout this early reader chapter book spoke of adventure on the high seas. I knew the four-book series needed to come home with me.
The Wind Riders, a magical tale of adventure and wildlife rescue, did not disappoint. The books have something for everyone. Whether your little bookworm is all about wildlife, sailing, or adventure, this series is sure to make it to the top of their charts.
Ready for Adventure?
Book one opens with new friends, Max and Sophia, on a mission to help a seagull tangled in a fishing line. The pair stumbles upon a rundown sailboat called Wind Rider. After the seemingly forgotten sailboat transports them to Hawaii Max and Sophia realize there is far more to Wind Rider than meets the eye.
The pair completes their wildlife rescue mission with the help of some new friends. When they return to their home, Starry Bay, they find that no time has passed and Wind Rider looks like an old forgotten sailboat once again.
Books two, three, and four (at the time of this writing the series is a quartette) follow a similar storyline. Sophia and Max are summoned by the trusty Seagull and transported by Wind Rider to rescue an animal in need. Along the way, readers are introduced to different people, places, and animals.
While the location and the details of each mission differ from book to book the general outline remains the same. This familiar structure may be appealing to some readers, particularly those who are passionate about wildlife rescue. But for readers who are more interested in action and adventure this familiar structure may feel repetitive. I think this would be more apparent to older readers.
Beyond the structure of the plot, there are elements of this story that make it a high-quality read, especially compared to other books in the early reader chapter book space.
Despite the beautiful illustrations throughout all four books the author, Jen Marlin, still uses imagery in her writing, which is something I have found to be lacking in many children’s books.
Something else that stood out to me was the overwhelmingly positive character interaction. There is no name-calling or poor behavior in these books. Max and Sophia are great role models for any young reader. Their goals are noble. But most importantly, they treat each other and the people they meet on their adventures with kindness and respect, even when their circumstances are less than ideal.
Protagonists with good character are something that I’ve found to be a bit of a rarity in early readers. While I think there can still be value in books with less likable protagonists Wind Riders stands out because of its role-model characters.
All in all, I think Wind Riders is an excellent choice for any reader in the series’ target age range of 6-10-year-olds. These books tell an uplifting story of wildlife rescue carried out by kindhearted people.
There is no name-calling, poor behavior, or inappropriate language. Consequently, I think this book would be a great choice for an independent read for children reading at a second or third-grade reading level. As an adult, I thought these books were fun which makes them a great choice for a family read-aloud.
However, you choose to share these books with your little bookworm Wind Riders is a wholesome story parents can feel good about.
You can find the rest of my reviews on my website www.faithfullittlebookworms.com
The Wind Riders, a magical tale of adventure and wildlife rescue, did not disappoint. The books have something for everyone. Whether your little bookworm is all about wildlife, sailing, or adventure, this series is sure to make it to the top of their charts.
Ready for Adventure?
Book one opens with new friends, Max and Sophia, on a mission to help a seagull tangled in a fishing line. The pair stumbles upon a rundown sailboat called Wind Rider. After the seemingly forgotten sailboat transports them to Hawaii Max and Sophia realize there is far more to Wind Rider than meets the eye.
The pair completes their wildlife rescue mission with the help of some new friends. When they return to their home, Starry Bay, they find that no time has passed and Wind Rider looks like an old forgotten sailboat once again.
Books two, three, and four (at the time of this writing the series is a quartette) follow a similar storyline. Sophia and Max are summoned by the trusty Seagull and transported by Wind Rider to rescue an animal in need. Along the way, readers are introduced to different people, places, and animals.
While the location and the details of each mission differ from book to book the general outline remains the same. This familiar structure may be appealing to some readers, particularly those who are passionate about wildlife rescue. But for readers who are more interested in action and adventure this familiar structure may feel repetitive. I think this would be more apparent to older readers.
Beyond the structure of the plot, there are elements of this story that make it a high-quality read, especially compared to other books in the early reader chapter book space.
Despite the beautiful illustrations throughout all four books the author, Jen Marlin, still uses imagery in her writing, which is something I have found to be lacking in many children’s books.
Something else that stood out to me was the overwhelmingly positive character interaction. There is no name-calling or poor behavior in these books. Max and Sophia are great role models for any young reader. Their goals are noble. But most importantly, they treat each other and the people they meet on their adventures with kindness and respect, even when their circumstances are less than ideal.
Protagonists with good character are something that I’ve found to be a bit of a rarity in early readers. While I think there can still be value in books with less likable protagonists Wind Riders stands out because of its role-model characters.
All in all, I think Wind Riders is an excellent choice for any reader in the series’ target age range of 6-10-year-olds. These books tell an uplifting story of wildlife rescue carried out by kindhearted people.
There is no name-calling, poor behavior, or inappropriate language. Consequently, I think this book would be a great choice for an independent read for children reading at a second or third-grade reading level. As an adult, I thought these books were fun which makes them a great choice for a family read-aloud.
However, you choose to share these books with your little bookworm Wind Riders is a wholesome story parents can feel good about.
You can find the rest of my reviews on my website www.faithfullittlebookworms.com
April 8, 2022
If it wasn’t for a greedy seagull, Max would never have met Sofia. He was about to go fishing with his Grandpa when he saw the bird dive-bomb the visitor to his town of Starry Bay. She was enjoying an ice cream cone when it snatched it right from her hands! Wanting to help the stranger, he offered his own ice cream to her. But the bird isn’t finished.
Max and Sofia realise it has something wound around its leg and decide to help the cheeky gull. In the chase, it leads them straight into an ADVENTURE!
A small sailboat is lying among the moss and mangrove trees not far along the beach. When they venture aboard to explore, something amazing happens. The seagull reappears (but that’s not the amazing bit). Max slips on the boat and grabs the wheel. It begins to move by itself, faster and faster, then the boat itself spins and tosses like in a storm. They open their eyes to discover they are not in Starry Bay any longer.
This is the first in a new series called Wind Riders. Max and Sofia are animal lovers and in this first nautical adventure, they arrive near an island where tiny turtles are at risk.
Illustrated throughout in shades of aqua and greys, this story has a large clear font, fun chapter headings and shares an exciting adventure tale. A sailboat is a timeless portal to other places needing some environmental help.
A section of the book changes from black text on white, to white text on darker pages, increasing the tension of the tale as they scramble to help tiny turtles and think about how their loved ones in Starry Bay must be worried about where they are.
Looking forward to more in this exciting junior chapter book series.
Max and Sofia realise it has something wound around its leg and decide to help the cheeky gull. In the chase, it leads them straight into an ADVENTURE!
A small sailboat is lying among the moss and mangrove trees not far along the beach. When they venture aboard to explore, something amazing happens. The seagull reappears (but that’s not the amazing bit). Max slips on the boat and grabs the wheel. It begins to move by itself, faster and faster, then the boat itself spins and tosses like in a storm. They open their eyes to discover they are not in Starry Bay any longer.
This is the first in a new series called Wind Riders. Max and Sofia are animal lovers and in this first nautical adventure, they arrive near an island where tiny turtles are at risk.
Illustrated throughout in shades of aqua and greys, this story has a large clear font, fun chapter headings and shares an exciting adventure tale. A sailboat is a timeless portal to other places needing some environmental help.
A section of the book changes from black text on white, to white text on darker pages, increasing the tension of the tale as they scramble to help tiny turtles and think about how their loved ones in Starry Bay must be worried about where they are.
Looking forward to more in this exciting junior chapter book series.
November 4, 2021
Wind Riders: Rescue on Turtle Beach by Jen Marlin is a newly published (2021), early-aged chapter book. I found this book from a Kirkus review. Max and Sofia are two children who meet each other in the town of Starry Bay. Throughout the book, the two of them go on various adventures using the magical sailboat they found! They travel to all these different places where they have opportunities to make an impact on the world. I loved seeing all the connections to current society in this story.
I read multiple reviews of this book before I decided to read it myself. With that said, I ordered a copy and read a paper version of the book. I cannot wait to stick it right into my classroom library now that I am done reading.
I know my students will absolutely love this book! I am so excited to bring it back to the classroom. Many of the other reviews I read compared the book to the Magic Treehouse Series in regards to learning about history and current-day issues. My third grade class loves the Magic Treehouse Series, so I know they will all jump at the chance to read a similar book. I would keep this book in my classroom library for students to use as an independent reading book. I might also use this book as a class read aloud to have meaningful discussions about current environmental issues that our communities are facing as well as what we can do to help.
I read multiple reviews of this book before I decided to read it myself. With that said, I ordered a copy and read a paper version of the book. I cannot wait to stick it right into my classroom library now that I am done reading.
I know my students will absolutely love this book! I am so excited to bring it back to the classroom. Many of the other reviews I read compared the book to the Magic Treehouse Series in regards to learning about history and current-day issues. My third grade class loves the Magic Treehouse Series, so I know they will all jump at the chance to read a similar book. I would keep this book in my classroom library for students to use as an independent reading book. I might also use this book as a class read aloud to have meaningful discussions about current environmental issues that our communities are facing as well as what we can do to help.
February 23, 2024
This is a chapter book for ages 6-10 years old. The series’ premise is that Max and Sofia come across a magical boat that takes them places where they can help animals.
In this book, Max and Sofia end up in Hawaii. They help newly hatched baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean. They do this during the day. After helping one hatchling make it to the ocean, Max, Sofia and their new friend Laila figure out the best way to help the babies is to turn on the lighthouse light.
That’s because baby sea turtles usually hatch at night to avoid predators. They use the moonlight shining off the ocean to figure out which way to go. But the hotel on the beach is having a party that will confuse the baby turtles. Will Max, Sophia and Laila make it on time to help the hatchlings? Read Wind Riders #1 to find out!
I really liked the premise of this chapter book series. I liked having a magical boat to take them on adventures around the world. No time passed back home, just like the Magic Treehouse series. But this book has an animal and ocean theme. The characters are likable and believable. The story is well-paced and includes accurate scientific facts in the text and backmatter.
Fans of the Magic Treehouse, Magic Schoolbus, and Zoey & Sassafras books will like this science adventure series, currently at 4 books.
In this book, Max and Sofia end up in Hawaii. They help newly hatched baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean. They do this during the day. After helping one hatchling make it to the ocean, Max, Sofia and their new friend Laila figure out the best way to help the babies is to turn on the lighthouse light.
That’s because baby sea turtles usually hatch at night to avoid predators. They use the moonlight shining off the ocean to figure out which way to go. But the hotel on the beach is having a party that will confuse the baby turtles. Will Max, Sophia and Laila make it on time to help the hatchlings? Read Wind Riders #1 to find out!
I really liked the premise of this chapter book series. I liked having a magical boat to take them on adventures around the world. No time passed back home, just like the Magic Treehouse series. But this book has an animal and ocean theme. The characters are likable and believable. The story is well-paced and includes accurate scientific facts in the text and backmatter.
Fans of the Magic Treehouse, Magic Schoolbus, and Zoey & Sassafras books will like this science adventure series, currently at 4 books.
October 4, 2022
Max is getting ready to go fishing with his grandfather and Sofia is having ice cream on the beach with her parents, when Sofia's ice cream falls off. Max sees the sad girl and decides to share some of the ice cream sandwiches they have in their cooler. While enjoying ice cream together, the new friends notice a seagull whose leg is caught in some fishing line. They chase it into the mangrove forest and corner it on the deck of an old ship. As soon as they free the seagull they notice the ship is suddenly sparkling like new and they are somewhere very different. They find themselves in Hawaii where a local girl recruits them to help the baby sea turtles about to hatch. A hotel on the beach is going to have a big party that night, but the lights might confuse the baby turtles about which direction to go to find the water. Can they find a way to make the ocean shinier than the hotel?
A fun little adventure on a magical boat with two very likable and kind-hearted kids. The plot brings awareness to very real issues that sea turtles face, and provides some simple ways that kids can help increase their chances of survival. Hand this to animal lovers and kids who love magical adventures.
No content issues.
A fun little adventure on a magical boat with two very likable and kind-hearted kids. The plot brings awareness to very real issues that sea turtles face, and provides some simple ways that kids can help increase their chances of survival. Hand this to animal lovers and kids who love magical adventures.
No content issues.
May 19, 2021
A fun story, with science cleverly woven through it. This adventure story takes Max and Sofia to Hawaii to save the sea turtles. Reminiscent of the Magic School Bus, the boat Wind Rider, takes the two sea-faring animal rescuers to destinations around the world to protect wildlife in danger. In this tale, they are in tropical Hawaii trying to work with an old lighthouse keeper to protect baby sea turtles hatching at night. A fabulous read for animal loving children.
Thanks to Harper Collins Children’s Books and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thanks to Harper Collins Children’s Books and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 6, 2022
This is the series I've been looking for. While clearly its own creation, Wind Riders is the perfect book for ages 6 to 10. It's today's Magic Treehouse, with elements for kids of all kinds, magically freed from the constraints of contemporary cell phones, parents, and logical child safety, it allows its characters to go on a real adventure. The environmental element with animals facts is a wonderful bridge to nonfiction and makes for a thoroughly satisfying package. I enjoyed the art and appreciated the writing. Bonus pages in the back highlight fact in a fictional format. Love it. Highly recommended for a wide variety of readers. Save time—buy the whole series at once.
June 9, 2025
I read this book aloud to a small group of third graders during summer school. Most of them gave it 5 stars. They were eager for me to order the second book in the series.
This book is similar to the Magic Treehouse. A boy and girl discover a neglected old boat, Wind Rider, that magically transports them to Hawaii where they help a local girl rescue sea turtles. Animal facts are blended into this fantastical tale.
My students enjoyed Max and Sophia’s adventure to save the sea turtles. One student suggested that the boat transform into a machine (like the Magic School bus) based on an underwater animal (like the Wild Keats creature power suits).
This book is similar to the Magic Treehouse. A boy and girl discover a neglected old boat, Wind Rider, that magically transports them to Hawaii where they help a local girl rescue sea turtles. Animal facts are blended into this fantastical tale.
My students enjoyed Max and Sophia’s adventure to save the sea turtles. One student suggested that the boat transform into a machine (like the Magic School bus) based on an underwater animal (like the Wild Keats creature power suits).
October 10, 2022
Max is about to go fishing with his grandfather when he meets Sofia, a girl on the beach who just got her ice cream stolen by a sea gull. It's this very seagull that then leads them to an old abandoned boat. When Max and Sofia climb aboard it, the boat magically turns up on the sea rather than grounded in the mangroves where the kids originally found it. This boat then somehow takes them to Hawaii where the kids help to rescue some sea turtles.
Judging from the cover and title, I wouldn't have guessed this was a fantasy genre book with magic. That was a nice twist.
Judging from the cover and title, I wouldn't have guessed this was a fantasy genre book with magic. That was a nice twist.
December 16, 2023
** 4.5 stars **
I'm definitely not the target reader but this was such a cute and fun read. There was perhaps a more realistic, easier and safer solution to the plight of the sea turtles, but I love the message behind the book. I love even more that there were extra facts on sea turtles at the end. A great way to get young children interested and learning real issues about animals and the environment.
I'm definitely not the target reader but this was such a cute and fun read. There was perhaps a more realistic, easier and safer solution to the plight of the sea turtles, but I love the message behind the book. I love even more that there were extra facts on sea turtles at the end. A great way to get young children interested and learning real issues about animals and the environment.
June 17, 2025
This was great! Very similar to Magic Tree House except no time travel, just magical transporting. I think it's so funny in these kids books when something crazy happens - I think if my kids were on a boat and were magically transported to Hawaii, they would flip out (in a bad way) lol, wondering how to contact us, etc. I guess we suspend reality for books like this though :) I love the learning aspect of this, teaching little bits about baby sea turtles. Cute!
February 14, 2022
magic tree house esque, quick and light. illustrations help move the story. but i wished they had been doing something in their own community first. indirectly comments on how tourism is ruining hawaiian wildlife?? the solution was more glamorous and quick than sustainable. appreciate the turtle facts in the back!
May 24, 2022
Max meets Sofia at the marina. Together, they help a seagull get untangled from some fishing twine and stumble across an old sailboat. It's not just an old sailboat though, it's a magical sailboat that takes them to Hawaii where there are sea turtles that need guidance to shore. A more humanitarian/STEAM read-alike for fans of Magic Treehouse.
October 11, 2023
A simple early reader, I didn't love that the science was not quite on point, and my kids pointed out that kids were doing things that could do the opposite of helping, e.g., kids should never remove a shell from a baby turtle, etc. I'm hoping the second will be a bit more accurate/realistic about the ways to help with the problem.
A2.5R3.5K3.5
A2.5R3.5K3.5
January 30, 2024
I just realized that I have not been reviewing any of Elijah’s books on here, even though I’m reading tons of them! So I’m just going to start with this one.
This is basically Magic Treehouse in a boat, but I found it fairly enjoyable, and I liked the focus on wildlife. I’m not sure how realistic the solution to their turtle problem was, but it was fun to read at least. I’d read more of these!
This is basically Magic Treehouse in a boat, but I found it fairly enjoyable, and I liked the focus on wildlife. I’m not sure how realistic the solution to their turtle problem was, but it was fun to read at least. I’d read more of these!
December 1, 2024
Magical realism for ages 6-10, this was short, and really sweet with an environmental theme. There is a magic boat that takes them to animals in need, and brings them back at the same time they left! This is book one, so they have just found the boat and go on their first adventure: to help hatching sea turtles. Highly illustrated, with a teal blue ink, and large font.
June 14, 2025
I read this to my son 7yo son Cooper. He loves all things birds, so we might continue the series to the bird-focused ones, but I figured we needed to start with the first one. Very Magic Treehouse-esque with an emphasis on something related to the environment. Illustrations throughout but not on every page.
June 8, 2021
After finishing this book, I wanted to read the entire series! The inclusion of fantasy and mystery keeps you wanting to know more. This book is both fun and educational, learning about what needs to happen when turtles eggs hatch on the beach. Two children find themselves a mysterious sailboat off the beaten path and are transported to Hawaii. After acquainting themselves with their new location, they find themselves on the beaches of Hawaii were they mean another child around the same age. Well on this beach, they learn about the importance of see turtles and how they need light to guide themselves to the ocean. Strong character development and thoughtful illustrations makes this series a must read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2022
I love this Book. It was the best. I love it because it teaches you how to keep the environment safe! I just love it!😍♥️‼️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️‼️❤️😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🥰🥰😘💋
June 8, 2023
Magic Treehouse in a magical boat. The story is a little simplistic but suitable for a first chapter book. I was a bit bothered that both children had parents waiting for them when they took off on their ocean adventure and didn't take even a second to worry or wonder if they'd ever get back.
October 7, 2023
fun short adventure
This was a cute book about two kids meeting and being kind to each other and bonding over saving baby sea turtles. It’s make believe but fun.
It was a quick easy read and who doesn’t love sea turtle facts that the author included at the end.
This was a cute book about two kids meeting and being kind to each other and bonding over saving baby sea turtles. It’s make believe but fun.
It was a quick easy read and who doesn’t love sea turtle facts that the author included at the end.
April 18, 2024
I loved this book more than I was expecting. It was like Magic Treehouse with a bit more substance. I appreciated the very gentle introduction into conservation. We will definitely read the rest of this series!
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