The Secret of the Magic Pearl

by Elisa Sabatinelli (Author) Iacopo Bruno (Illustrator)

The Secret of the Magic Pearl
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

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.

Select format:
Hardcover
$21.99

Kirkus

Starred Review

Hector is wise, kind, and readers will take him to their hearts. Beautiful, remarkable, amazing, and wonderful in every way. 


ALA/Booklist

Starred Review

Vibrant underwater depictions teem with life and make it easy to share in the peace and magic that Hector finds in his enchanting aquatic world. An exceptional story that will have young readers longing for the sea.


Hornbook

This is a handsome book, printed in gorgeous, rich-hued colors, with a thoughtful hero, a first-rate villain, magic, adventure, and a convincing happy ending.

Review quotes

 

Elisa Sabatinelli

Elisa Sabatinelli was born in Fano, Italy, and grew up in Barcelona, Spain. She has published short stories and a novel for adults. The Secret of the Magic Pearl is her first book for children. Ms. Sabatinelli lives in Milan with her husband and two children. To learn more, visit her on Facebook at @elisa.sabatinelli

Iacopo Bruno has illustrated hundreds of book covers and has received recognition from the Society of Illustrators in New York, the Cook Prize, and his book, Sergeant Reckless, written by Patricia McCormick, won the Texas Bluebonnet Award and the California Young Reader Medal 2021. Other books illustrated by Iacopo Bruno include Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France by Mara Rockliff; and Bartali's Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy's Secret Hero by Megan Hoyt. When he is not drawing, he takes his boat in search of dolphins and, if the weather is bad, restores paintings and antique furniture in his cellar full of tools and curiosities. Learn more at his website: http: //iacopobruno.blogspot.com/ and www.theworldofdot.com/

Christopher Turner is an Italian to English translator, editor and professional writer. He has translated many children's books into English in his 30-year career including the popular Geronimo Stilton books. He lives in Wimbledon, London. Learn more at: https: //www.chris-turner.net/

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781636550060
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Red Comet Press
Publication date
October 12, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV028000 - Juvenile Fiction | Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories
JUV030050 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Europe
JUV002170 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Marine Life
Library of Congress categories
-

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