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The Secret of the Magic Pearl
Dive below the waves to where the real adventure begins. Hector lives with his family at the Marina in an Italian coastal town where they organize tourist expeditions to explore the many wonders of the sea. Hector's dream is to become a deep-sea diver, just like his father. Then, one day, an unscrupulous entrepreneur opens a much newer center next door, forcing them to close their business. This man has a single purpose, to find the legendary Pearl in order to sell it and make money. Hector decides to find a way to thwart the plan and save what matters most to him: the sea, his family, and his dream.
92 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 2021
About the author
Elisa Sabatinelli
7 books2 followersElisa Sabatinelli (1985) è per metà catalana e per metà italiana. Nata a Fano e cresciuta a Barcellona, ha studiato Sceneggiatura in Spagna, ha lavorato a Londra per una etichetta discografica e a 28 anni è diventata mamma. Ideatrice del festival Cortili Letterari, abita a Milano. Su Twitter si chiama @lucindariver.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 18, 2021
THE SECRET OF THE MAGIC PEARL was originally published in Italian and I feel like that Italian feel and culture translates well. This book feels very unlike other books for this age, but I really liked it. It’s an interesting story about family and deep sea diving with a little mystery and adventure. The chapters are short and the illustrations are stunning but quirky. A unique and surprising early chapter book.
October 4, 2021
Set in a seaside village somewhere on the Italian coast, our young narrator Hector tells readers that he comes from a family of deep-sea divers, and he cannot wait until his eight birthday so he make his very first dive. He also tells us that his hero is the red watch cap wearing Jaques Cousteau, hence, Hector's red cap. He has grown up listening to his grandfather's stories about the sea, most of which came from his imagination. The one exception is the story about the Pearl. The Pearl lives in the sea, and is the "rarest, whitest, and purest pearl in the world. A pearl that can light up a whole room." (pg 5)
Hector's family had always lived in the Marina, a place that attracts tourists and offers lots of sea-side attractions and things to do, but they were pushed out by a shady businessman named Amedeo Limonta and his complex called Rivadoro, charging tourists less money that anyone else for dives and boat rides. Limonta has a daughter named Carlotta, and Hector's best friend Richard has a big crush on her.
Finally, Hector's birthday arrives and after cobbling together a deep-sea diving suit for himself, he and his father head to the sea. Sure enough, on his first dive, Hector discovers the Pearl and brings it home. Soon, it is an attraction drawing tourists, newspapermen, and even television reporters. One visitor even asks to be alone with the Pearl, but after his visit, Hector notices the Pearl begins to lose it luminescence. It appears to be dying. But why? Now, everyone thinks Hector pulled a fast one on them, accusing him of lying to them. Hector decides the Pearl needs to return to the sea to hopefully get back some of its magic. It doesn't take long to figure out what has happened, but if the lone visitor has taken the real Pearl and left a fake substitute in its place, how can Hector return the real Pearl to the sea?
Hector narrates his story in simple declarative but very expressive sentences, which may sound boring but is far from it. In fact, it allows him to smoothly and seamlessly introduce family past and present, friends, and enemies, and the part they all play in the mystery of the Pearl.
Since the setting seems to take place somewhere between reality and fantasy, it just stands to reason that the timing of the story is somewhere between long ago and today all at once. But perhaps Hector explains it best when he says he lives "...in a small but ancient village where one day time decided to stop for a cup of tea and never got started again." (pg. 69)
There is so much to be culled from this book besides a good story. Right from the start, there is a two page spread of maritime signal flags, alphabet and numbers, used for signaling other ships. Each chapter is introduced with the chapter number using these flags, so you begin to recognize them pretty quickly.
But wait, there's more. Not only are readers treated to the nautical flags, there is also a 2-page spread of the parts of an old-timey diving suit, the kind not many kids might be familiar with.
So you can see that this is definitely a book to spend time with, not just reading but thoroughly combing through the illustrations, relishing all the details from beginning to end. Done in a colorful palette of nautical colors, the full page illustrations are clear and sharp, and completely harmonize and extend the story and there are lots of colorful spot illustrations throughout the book as well.
After readers are done being charmed by Hector's story, they can download an activity kit utilizing the nautical flags HERE
The Secret of the Magic Pearl is a chapter book that combines past and present in a magical story. It will enchant readers in the same way that stories by Kate DiCamillo does.
The Secret of the Magic Pearl will be available October 12, 2021.
This book is recommended for readers age 7+
This book was gratefully received from Red Comet Press and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media
Hector's family had always lived in the Marina, a place that attracts tourists and offers lots of sea-side attractions and things to do, but they were pushed out by a shady businessman named Amedeo Limonta and his complex called Rivadoro, charging tourists less money that anyone else for dives and boat rides. Limonta has a daughter named Carlotta, and Hector's best friend Richard has a big crush on her.
Finally, Hector's birthday arrives and after cobbling together a deep-sea diving suit for himself, he and his father head to the sea. Sure enough, on his first dive, Hector discovers the Pearl and brings it home. Soon, it is an attraction drawing tourists, newspapermen, and even television reporters. One visitor even asks to be alone with the Pearl, but after his visit, Hector notices the Pearl begins to lose it luminescence. It appears to be dying. But why? Now, everyone thinks Hector pulled a fast one on them, accusing him of lying to them. Hector decides the Pearl needs to return to the sea to hopefully get back some of its magic. It doesn't take long to figure out what has happened, but if the lone visitor has taken the real Pearl and left a fake substitute in its place, how can Hector return the real Pearl to the sea?
Hector narrates his story in simple declarative but very expressive sentences, which may sound boring but is far from it. In fact, it allows him to smoothly and seamlessly introduce family past and present, friends, and enemies, and the part they all play in the mystery of the Pearl.
Since the setting seems to take place somewhere between reality and fantasy, it just stands to reason that the timing of the story is somewhere between long ago and today all at once. But perhaps Hector explains it best when he says he lives "...in a small but ancient village where one day time decided to stop for a cup of tea and never got started again." (pg. 69)
There is so much to be culled from this book besides a good story. Right from the start, there is a two page spread of maritime signal flags, alphabet and numbers, used for signaling other ships. Each chapter is introduced with the chapter number using these flags, so you begin to recognize them pretty quickly.
But wait, there's more. Not only are readers treated to the nautical flags, there is also a 2-page spread of the parts of an old-timey diving suit, the kind not many kids might be familiar with.
So you can see that this is definitely a book to spend time with, not just reading but thoroughly combing through the illustrations, relishing all the details from beginning to end. Done in a colorful palette of nautical colors, the full page illustrations are clear and sharp, and completely harmonize and extend the story and there are lots of colorful spot illustrations throughout the book as well.
After readers are done being charmed by Hector's story, they can download an activity kit utilizing the nautical flags HERE
The Secret of the Magic Pearl is a chapter book that combines past and present in a magical story. It will enchant readers in the same way that stories by Kate DiCamillo does.
The Secret of the Magic Pearl will be available October 12, 2021.
This book is recommended for readers age 7+
This book was gratefully received from Red Comet Press and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media
February 12, 2022
The Secret of the Magic Pearl is a chapter book perfect for younger readers, second grade and up. It combines the past and present in a fantastical story. Hector’s family has always lived in the Marina, a place that attracts tourists and offers lots of seaside attractions. But they are pushed out by a shady business man who charges less money. When Hector’s birthday arrives he and his father go on a dive. Magically, it is Hector that finds the magic Pearl. What follows is a series of events that leads to the Pearl’s disappearance. Hector must find the Pearl and return it to the sea.
I liked the short chapters, simple narration, and beautiful illustrations. As a bonus there is a diagram of nautical flags at the beginning. These flags are used to label each chapter. What an original idea! There is also a detail diagram that shows early diving gear. I think students will enjoy this book for the beautiful story and the beautiful illustrations.
I liked the short chapters, simple narration, and beautiful illustrations. As a bonus there is a diagram of nautical flags at the beginning. These flags are used to label each chapter. What an original idea! There is also a detail diagram that shows early diving gear. I think students will enjoy this book for the beautiful story and the beautiful illustrations.
February 20, 2022
A heavily (and gorgeously) illustrated story of the sea, the seaside, and an intrepid young friend and sea protector. Hector's family has fallen on hard times, and finding the glorious sea pearl might help, but Hector knows how to properly love the sea, and taking its treasure is not part of that care.
Just lovely.
Just lovely.
September 5, 2021
This is a stunning and engaging early chapter book for kids. Originally published in Italian, this book feels unique and one that kids will want to revisit. Beyond the interesting adventure narrative, I love the details in the illustrations -- from the page spread of nautical flags to the use of varied fonts -- it all comes together to make a BEAUTIFUL book. This is especially great for children interested in ocean exploration.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book by Red Comet Press. Opinions are my own.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book by Red Comet Press. Opinions are my own.
July 5, 2021
I received a complimentary early copy of this book from the publisher, Red Comet Press, at the U.S. Book Show.
Hector is an eight-year-old boy who lives on the Italian Coast with his parents. His family has suffered some losses lately, but they remain devoted to their love of the sea. Hector wants to follow in the footsteps of his late grandfather and his father. He cannot wait to take his first dive and explore the mysteries of the ocean depths. Unfortunately, a miserable man with no respect for their way of life comes along and causes the family a great deal of trouble. He seeks riches and threatens to steal a beautiful undersea treasure. But Hector stays true to his values and becomes a local hero.
This book caught my eye due to its gorgeous illustrations. The story is rich in familial cultural pride, despite difficult circumstances. It is a book to read slowly and thoughtfully with middle grade children. There are issues to be discussed with them regarding Hector’s thoughts, values, and actions. Children should be encouraged to answer the question, "what would you do if you were in Hector's place?" In short, this is a lovely, adventurous book that teaches some important life lessons. I highly recommend it.
Hector is an eight-year-old boy who lives on the Italian Coast with his parents. His family has suffered some losses lately, but they remain devoted to their love of the sea. Hector wants to follow in the footsteps of his late grandfather and his father. He cannot wait to take his first dive and explore the mysteries of the ocean depths. Unfortunately, a miserable man with no respect for their way of life comes along and causes the family a great deal of trouble. He seeks riches and threatens to steal a beautiful undersea treasure. But Hector stays true to his values and becomes a local hero.
This book caught my eye due to its gorgeous illustrations. The story is rich in familial cultural pride, despite difficult circumstances. It is a book to read slowly and thoughtfully with middle grade children. There are issues to be discussed with them regarding Hector’s thoughts, values, and actions. Children should be encouraged to answer the question, "what would you do if you were in Hector's place?" In short, this is a lovely, adventurous book that teaches some important life lessons. I highly recommend it.
June 14, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from Red Comet Press.
Hector comes from generations of deep sea divers. Unfortunately, his dad had to close their marina for lack of business. Readers see the reasons behind this decision and how it plays an integral part in the events as they unfold. Sabatinelli opens this world with lovely descriptions and interesting characters. Bruno's illustrations support the text and provide a window into this family's life on land and under the sea. When Hector finds the great pearl, the family sets it on display for villagers and tourists to see. Unfortunately, the sea becomes angry that it's heart is no longer there and a major storm sets up the final confrontations and decisions for all of the characters. Middle grade readers will appreciate the depth and beauty of this tale.
Hector comes from generations of deep sea divers. Unfortunately, his dad had to close their marina for lack of business. Readers see the reasons behind this decision and how it plays an integral part in the events as they unfold. Sabatinelli opens this world with lovely descriptions and interesting characters. Bruno's illustrations support the text and provide a window into this family's life on land and under the sea. When Hector finds the great pearl, the family sets it on display for villagers and tourists to see. Unfortunately, the sea becomes angry that it's heart is no longer there and a major storm sets up the final confrontations and decisions for all of the characters. Middle grade readers will appreciate the depth and beauty of this tale.
June 15, 2021
I read this book with both of my kids. It has a very basic plot of a young boy, "Hector," who goes diving in the sea for his first time. This book is very descriptive for such a simple plot.
I wished that the description of the town had been at the very beginning of the book instead of the end. I think it would have been better to end the story right when the main plot point was resolved, but the detailed description at the end did help one of my kids fall asleep.
I give this book 3 stars for the overall story and plot with a round up to 4 due to the absolutely fantastic illustrations.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
I wished that the description of the town had been at the very beginning of the book instead of the end. I think it would have been better to end the story right when the main plot point was resolved, but the detailed description at the end did help one of my kids fall asleep.
I give this book 3 stars for the overall story and plot with a round up to 4 due to the absolutely fantastic illustrations.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
June 15, 2021
This book was fantastic. I loved the story and getting to know the main character, Hector. Hector is a great character. There were great themes about the taking care of and respecting the ocean as well as themes on greed and doing what is right. I loved the illustrations. They were beautifully done.
I would like to thank Red Comet Press for providing me with an ARC.
I would like to thank Red Comet Press for providing me with an ARC.
June 27, 2021
"Anyone who puts on a diving suit must have the brains to navigate the sea and the heart to love it. That's the only way it will reveal itself to you in all its beauty."
A cute children's book about family and appreciating the beauty of the sea. While it's more of a young middle grade book due to the length, the illustrations are beautiful.
A cute children's book about family and appreciating the beauty of the sea. While it's more of a young middle grade book due to the length, the illustrations are beautiful.
February 14, 2022
Wonderful illustrations and typography but rather confusing (due to translation issues?) text. Why would you choose to describe the setting AFTER the story? Why introduce multiple characters and provide illustrations of them, only to have a brief 5 sentence paragraph about them? It just feels like an outline of a story with fabulous illustrations.
October 14, 2021
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is The Secret of the Magic Pearl, written by Elisa Sabatinelli and illustrated by Iacopo Bruno, a stunning chapter book about courage, family, and the sea.
Young Hector lives in a small seaside town in Italy, one that is not particularly noteworthy to the outside world, but to Hector, is the most beautiful in the world. His dream is to become a deep sea diver like his father and grandfather before him, but his dream is interrupted by Amedeo Limonta (“the bad guy in this story”) building the tourist destination Rivadoro nearby and putting the marina where his family operate their tours out of business. Hector knows Limonta seeks a fabled pearl – the purest in the world – and he plans to find the pearl first and discover its secrets. Along the way, he and the other characters will discover more secrets as well: of family, of community, and of the living sea.
Spellbinding. Sabatinelli creates an energetic and guileless voice in Hector, as he describes the settings and unique characters surrounding him with beautiful, evocative language; readers are transported to windswept coastal Italy, witness to small town shenanigans and stormy sea journeys with the turn of each page. Bruno’s illustrations are equally immersive, seamlessly weaving through the chapters with spreads and margin artwork that is sometimes educational, sometimes comical, and always captivating. This chapter book is best for elementary-age and older bookworms, but can easily be read aloud in sections; JJ adored the story, even if it took us a few days to cover it entirely. Overall, this is a longer read that it utterly worth it, and we definitely recommend it. Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
October 25, 2021
Hector wants nothing more than to be a deep sea diver like his dad. But when an entrepreneur comes into town, his only concern is money. He doesn't care about the small businesses or persevering the sea. He wants the check and doesn't want to bother sharing discoveries with anyone. So, Hector gets the opportunity to do something good for his town by searching for the pearl himself. Hector wants to do anything he can to help his family and that's a good trait for children to learn.
THE SECRET OF THE MAGIC PEARL is a nautical themed book full of adventure and familial bonds. The illustrations are stunning and vibrant and the character is someone children can relate to. My daughter was amazed at the pictures and didn't want me to put it down until we finished it. That's saying a lot since she's only five and has a short attention span.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of the sea, adventure, and a twist of mystery. To be honest, the breathing taking pictures are reason enough to check out this book but you get the added bonus of lyrical writing. I love the quote at the end: "Beautiful things should be shared and there's nothing more beautiful than our sea." This kind of thought-provoking writing earns it the five stars.
THE SECRET OF THE MAGIC PEARL is a nautical themed book full of adventure and familial bonds. The illustrations are stunning and vibrant and the character is someone children can relate to. My daughter was amazed at the pictures and didn't want me to put it down until we finished it. That's saying a lot since she's only five and has a short attention span.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of the sea, adventure, and a twist of mystery. To be honest, the breathing taking pictures are reason enough to check out this book but you get the added bonus of lyrical writing. I love the quote at the end: "Beautiful things should be shared and there's nothing more beautiful than our sea." This kind of thought-provoking writing earns it the five stars.
October 25, 2021
A big thank-you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for giving me a copy of this book for an unbiased review.
4/5 - Great illustrations and a cute story. Would recommend.
This was a lovely story of a little boy finding his place in the world and discovering his love of things hidden in the sea. The illustrations are out-of-this-world. I couldn't get enough of looking at the pictures, which are vibrant, quirky, and absolutely beautiful. I love the nostalgic style of the diving helmets and the way in which Bruno brought each character to vivid life through the inclusion of little details in every portrait.
The story was sweet, but I thought it was a little confusing. As some have noted, the description of the town being at the end did not make a lot of sense. There also wasn't much of a resolution. This could be an issue of translation.
Ultimately, the illustrations made this book special. I would recommend this to anyone with children, especially if those children are curious about the natural world.
4/5 - Great illustrations and a cute story. Would recommend.
This was a lovely story of a little boy finding his place in the world and discovering his love of things hidden in the sea. The illustrations are out-of-this-world. I couldn't get enough of looking at the pictures, which are vibrant, quirky, and absolutely beautiful. I love the nostalgic style of the diving helmets and the way in which Bruno brought each character to vivid life through the inclusion of little details in every portrait.
The story was sweet, but I thought it was a little confusing. As some have noted, the description of the town being at the end did not make a lot of sense. There also wasn't much of a resolution. This could be an issue of translation.
Ultimately, the illustrations made this book special. I would recommend this to anyone with children, especially if those children are curious about the natural world.
October 10, 2021
I have a soft spot for stories with nautical themes and this charming book really delivered with the vivid setting of a vintage Italian coastal town.
Translated from Italian to English the story follows a boy who dreams of becoming a deep sea diver like his father. A scheming entrepreneur threatens their business and is hunting for the legendary pearl to sell it. It is a shorter middle grade level story (but appears like a picture book in several
aspects) with lots of beautiful illustrations and design elements spread throughout. All the details really add to the atmospheric feel of the story.
Translated from Italian to English the story follows a boy who dreams of becoming a deep sea diver like his father. A scheming entrepreneur threatens their business and is hunting for the legendary pearl to sell it. It is a shorter middle grade level story (but appears like a picture book in several
aspects) with lots of beautiful illustrations and design elements spread throughout. All the details really add to the atmospheric feel of the story.
September 3, 2022
Ugh. I don’t even want to finish this book. I don’t like it. It has incredible illustrations and a unique writing format where the reader learns about different characters in this boy’s life over multiple chapters but I don’t enjoy it. It doesn’t feel like a children’s book. It is possible that in its original format (Italian) the text comes across more engaging but as it is translated, it feels a bit off. Now I usually rate in the 4* category because I love most books. I feel harsh giving this one a 2* but I just do not like it. Beautiful pictures. Cool storytelling format. But fell flat for me. And boring. May be for other people but not me.
December 21, 2022
3.5 stars. Read with my 6 year old daughter. Written originally (I believe) in Italian, it transported us to a little coastal town with a different... feel. The sun and the salty breeze on the skin, I could almost smell the distinct sea smell. It was a wonderful experience for both me and my daughter. Illustrations are also beautifully done. Yet, perhaps because it is a translated work, I found it a bit clunky to read outloud, although the sentences are simple and easy enough. Overall, a good experience for young children to have read/listen to have a feel for a different place from where they are (unless you're from a small coastal town in Italy, that is!)
December 28, 2021
After reading it, I wondered if this was translated. Turns out it was originally published in Italian - which makes sense as it's set on the Italian coast - and translated books for me either hit me straight in the heart (i.e. A Man Called Ove) or miss the mark - and this one warmed me and made me smile.
Love the deep-sea diving and truly unique storyline in this short chapter book. I had also listened to it but once I saw it was illustrated, I picked up a copy in print - and those illustrations brought the story to life even more. Such a lovely little gem.
Love the deep-sea diving and truly unique storyline in this short chapter book. I had also listened to it but once I saw it was illustrated, I picked up a copy in print - and those illustrations brought the story to life even more. Such a lovely little gem.
January 19, 2022
The secret of the magic pearl is a cute & adventurous story about a little boy & his family. As others have said, the illustrations are remarkable. The story is long in length, but perfect for those just starting to read “harder” books. Also a fun story for younger children who love to sit & listen to stories for extended periods.
September 7, 2023
A sweet story about a little boy who wants everyone to be happy and see his dream of becoming a deep sea diver become a reality. And hopefully find the mysterious and elusive pearl of the sea, of course! When he finds it on his first dive, he discovers that beauty is meant to be shared and what belongs to the sea isn’t meant for us. Really sweet and the illustrations are incredible!
December 30, 2024
A story about conservation, the sea, and integrity.
Bright colors throughout the book make bold statements. Each character has a sea creature near the face each time they appear. New chapter pages are marked with semaphore flags in boldly patterned pages.
The melodrama adds an air of fantasy the that world.
Unusual.
Bright colors throughout the book make bold statements. Each character has a sea creature near the face each time they appear. New chapter pages are marked with semaphore flags in boldly patterned pages.
The melodrama adds an air of fantasy the that world.
Unusual.
May 25, 2022
Set in a seaside village somewhere on the Italian coast, our young narrator Hector tells readers that he comes from a family of deep-sea divers, and he cannot wait until his eight birthday so he make his very first dive.
August 19, 2023
I read The Secret of the Magic Pearl to my six and four year old. We enjoyed the story and were absolutely captivated by the illustrations. It’s a lovely book and works very well as a read aloud book for younger children.
August 7, 2025
Different than I expected. The artwork is beautiful. The story is good but the writing style isn't one that is typical for today. I think it's going to be difficult for my students to fully understand it.
January 7, 2022
A magical, mysterious, fascinating, stunningly illustrated deep sea adventure tale. Originally published in Italy.
January 27, 2022
Beautifully illustrated.
February 8, 2022
We loved this book. The illustrations are so pretty. The story was a great bedtime read because it kept my son interested throughout. But seriously these illustrations are top notch.
February 28, 2022
The illustrations were beautiful. My son like it.
August 28, 2022
Wonderful story with gorgeous illustrations. I love the art and chapter numbers made with nautical flags. Overall delightful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews