• Age: 6 to 8
• Grade: 1 to 3
• Reading age: 6 to 8

With nowhere left to live after losing his parents and working his way through a long list of relatives on the mainland, Ollie finds himself at his grandpa’s house in Sueño Bay, "home of the supernatural."

Miserable and intending to get away from the earthquake-prone, rain-soaked island on the next bus out of town, Ollie's getaway plans are altered abruptly when he and three classmates discover something they shouldn't have in a trailer in the woods.

The four unlikely friends come together in a mystery involving supernatural creatures, a ticking clock and one angry gym teacher to save themselves, the creatures and Sueño Bay from a darkness that is infecting the island. If they succeed, will Ollie finally find a place to call home?

Nancy Deas grew up on a farm on Mayne Island, British Columbia, where she wandered in forests and on beaches. She has a great love of travel and adventure. Nancy holds a bachelor of arts from the University of Victoria. She now explores Salt Spring Island, where she lives with her family.

 

Nancy Deas' profile page

 

Mike Deas est auteur-illustrateur de bandes dessinées, telles que Tank and Fizz and The Case of the Tentacle Terror. Il signe aussi les illustrations de la série Graphic Guide Adventure. Sa passion pour l'illustration a été entretenue tout au long de son enfance à l'île Saltspring, en Colombie-Britannique où il habite encore aujourd'hui.

 

MIKE DEAS is an author/illustrator of graphic novels, most recently Tank and Fizz and the Case of the Tentacle Terror. He is the illustrator of the Graphic Guide Adventure series. His love for illustrative storytelling comes from an early love of reading and drawing while growing up on Saltspring Island, British Columbia. Visit him online at www.deasillustration.com.

Mike Deas' profile page

• Short-listed, Chocolate Lily Book Awards
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection

“A charming read and a promising start to a new series.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“This story has it all: a mystery set on misty islands, a crew of kids determined to crack the case, cute and cuddly supernatural creatures, and a surprising plot twist that reminds savvy sleuths to second-guess everything.”

Hakai Magazine

“Young readers will eagerly follow the fast-paced adventure...Star here is the artwork, with the muted palette and realistic art style skillfully conveying the naturalistic setting and moody tone...Hand to young readers looking for slightly spooky shenanigans.”

School Library Journal

“Commanding and fast-moving…Recommend it to readers who are into the supernatural and adventures or stories of friendship.”

Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk blog

“Underlying messages of environmentalism, friendship, and home make this magical mystery a win.”

Kirkus Reviews

“A fun, magical romp that younger readers will enjoy.”

Booklist

“A promising beginning. Equal parts adventure, drama, and fantasy, this middle grade graphic novel will have a broad appeal...does an excellent job at representing economic and racial diversity.”

Resource Links

“This fast paced graphic novel is very entertaining. The story is fun and mysterious and the colorful graphics enhance the story and experience.”

Must Read Literature: K thru YA