A review by sue_reilly
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve

5.0

Just when Oliver thinks he's going to finally settle down with his retired explorer parents, a sentient island takes him on a ride to a wig contest. Along the way he meets a nearsighted mermaid, sea monkeys, an albatross named Mr. Culpepper, and some very sarcastic seaweed. This is a chapter book with lots of illustrations along the way, perfect for reading to young kids or for older kids to read to themselves. Nothing super scary happens and the worst word used is "stupid." The main character is a boy, but girls have solid representation with Oliver's mom being an explorer and his mermaid friend being smart and resourceful. It has 11 chapters and we got through about one per night, reading aloud. Thumbs up from 2 year old, 5 year old, and me.