Ævar þór Benediktsson is one of Iceland's most popular authors. He is Iceland's first UNICEF Ambassador and is known for launching popular nationwide reading challenges to encourage Icelandic children and teenagers to read more. In 2017 Ævar was chosen as one of the Aarhus39 - a collection of the 39 best emerging writers for young people from across Europe. He is the author of more than 30 books.

Anne Wilson was born on Ascension Island, a volcano in the South Atlantic. Her work is inspired by everyday life and traveling. The images she creates are constructed in layers, starting with drawing, mark making and printing, these are then manipulated in Photoshop. Anne has an MA in illustration from St Martins College of Art, London and has been an illustrator for over 20 years. She has illustrated many projects for Barefoot Books, including We're Roaming in the Rainforest and The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales.

★ "Two amateur explorers become stranded on a newly formed volcanic island when the fishing boat that drops them off fails to come back" - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Benediktsson's Icelandic grandfather inspires this 'mostly true, ' magically buoyed tale of a volcanic excursion that teeters on disaster" - Publishers Weekly

"This strikingly unusual picture book contains a true story about the author's grandfather, a scientist stranded on a volcanic island. Lively illustrations allude to the mythology, and the text, including facts in the back, is involving." - The Sunday Times, Best Books for Children 2023

"Based on a true account, the book's comfortable and engaging storytelling presents the tale in a humorous way sprinkled with Icelandic myths and a dash of magic . . . Highly recommended for public or school libraries. This gently exciting story will be enjoyed by adventure-loving children." - School Library Journal

A 2024-25 Great Lakes Great Books Awards Honor Book

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books

Pub date: 2023-08-08

Length: 32 pages