Los islotes de Pedestal

Gr 3—6—An explorer named Azarias finds an old map that shows the location of a lost archipelago that is a magical land. He promptly builds a vessel that can travel by air, land, and sea, and sets out to find the faraway place, along with a handyman named Turpino and a researcher named Pablo. Turpino has an empty head and carries with him an assortment of useful brains such as those belonging to a diplomat, actor, prince, etc., that he can employ as needed. Pablo keeps a diary of the voyage, excerpts of which make up this story. The book is beautifully illustrated in earth tones and pastel hues. Elongated figures contribute to the whimsical aspect of the tale. Aerial illustrations bring depth and a sense of adventure. There are also drawings with cursive notations that bring realism to the diary account. Adventure readers will return to this book again and again.—Ana Rodriguez, Tamarac Elementary School, FL