By Chris Wormell (author) , Chris Wormell (illustrator)
"From pirates and potions, to books, bones, and beautiful friendship bonds, this desert island escape story is a stirring charmer"
Paperback In Stock £7.99 £7.19
Hardback In Stock £12.99 £11.69
View All Editions (2)
Blessed with storytelling magic, along with a generous sprinkling of actual magic, in The Lucky Bottle celebrated author-illustrator Chris Wormell has created a stunning story that will grip 8+ year-olds hook, line and sinker.
With nods to Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver’s Travels and The Tempest, this melds the thrills of traditional adventure stories — desert island survival, treasure-hungry pirates, messages in bottles — with thoroughly fresh elements, among them witchcraft, a giant tortoise, and a beautiful bond between a boy and long-time islander.
When ten-year-old Jack finds himself washed up on a tiny Atlantic island, “a great black void of loneliness came upon him, and a homesickness so acute, he wept uncontrollably.” Such is the direct, affecting lyricism of this novel, and such is the gravity of Jack’s situation. Happily, though, his dark mood is lifted when he discovers he’s not alone. A wise, kindly man Jack names Robinson has been on the island for nineteen years, living in a cave packed with books, which, in Robinson’s words “have the power to enchant and cast spells just as powerful as any magic potion!”
When Robinson teaches Jack to read and write, he suggests Jack writes messages in bottles that might help him realise his dream of being rescued. Then, as they uncover the island’s long-lost treasures, along with links to pirate stories Jack recalls from home, he and Robinson implement an outlandish plan involving a witch’s potion and a deep belief in the notion of luck.
Ten-year-old Jack is stranded on a desert island. He's been very lucky: he's survived a terrible storm and the mysterious island he has found himself on has a kindly if unusual inhabitant, fresh water and plenty of food. But Jack needs to find his way home, and as he uncovers incredible hidden treasures on the little island, he starts to formulate a plan.
Read the full description
A plan that will involve witchcraft, terrifying sea monsters and pirates! But if Jack's going to succeed he will need to be very very lucky.
Praise for The Magic Place;
A beautiful blend of story and image - Sunday Times
An extraordinary piece of work. So much time and skill has gone into it. There is such excitement in Wormell's scenes and landscapes - David Tazzyman
Brimming with detail and dazzling perspective. One of the last great draughtsmen and hugely inspiring both for those accomplished and aspiring. Walks all over the page like a true pen and ink warrior - Chris Mould
Chris Wormell is one of Britain’s most celebrated author-illustrators and print makers. Known for his instantly recognisable style, Chris is the acclaimed illustrator of the iconic covers for Philip Pullman's La Belle Sauvage: The Book of Dust – Volume One and the award-winning H is for Hawk , as well as the creator of a host of picture books, including the bestselling George and the Drago n and One Smart Fish . He has won a number of literary awards including the Bologna Ragazza Prize, a Nestle Smarties Award and a Booktrust Early Years Award. His artwork has also featured in advertising campaigns for Jaguar, Marks and Spencer, The Natural History Museum, the Royal Opera House and Adnams beer amongst others.
The LoveReading4Kids Children's Books of the Year 2022
the best books for 9-12 year olds · the best books for teenagers
The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf
Jamaal Target: PHANTOM Agent
Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie
The Slightly Alarming Tale of the Whispering Wars
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 1: Flies Again
Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Ten-year-old Jack is stranded on a desert island. He's been very lucky: he's survived a terrible storm and the mysterious island he has found himself on has a kindly if unusual inhabitant, fresh water and plenty of food.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Lucky Bottle and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
The Lucky Bottle features in the following genres: Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Fantasy / Magical, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Star Books, Featured Books for 9+ readers
Paperback, Hardback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Lucky Bottle was written by Chris Wormell and published by David Fickling Books
The Lucky Bottle has 302 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
©PTC International Ltd T/A LoveReading is registered in England. Company number: 10193437. VAT number: 270 4538 09. Registered address: 157 Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
The National Year of Reading starts here. Join thousands of families and schools supporting reading for pleasure across the UK.