"An atlas with a difference, and as inspiring as it is informative."
June 2026 Debut of the Month
A beautifully illustrated introduction to 20 islands across the globe, with information on their geography, fauna and flora, people and above all their stories, this is an atlas to inform young readers but one that will also instil in them an awareness of the unique magic of islands, wherever they are.
Alice Albinia is an internationally acclaimed author whose books for adults explore geography and culture, and how they interact. This, her first book for children, does the same, introducing young readers to the geography, history and stories of islands from Chile to Sicily, Madagascar to Orkney. Throughout, she foregrounds the stories of women of the islands, arguing that stories that might disappear on the mainland, cling to islands ‘like thistledown in hair or burrs on a sheep’s fleece.’
This memorable image is typical of the immediacy of her text which gives us a real sense of the spirit of each place she describes. There is plenty of information too to make it a suitable curriculum companion for those studying landforms and the maps feature highlights from native animals to local delicacies and historical or natural monuments.
The opening spreads explain terminology used to describe different types of islands, climate change, people, flora and fauna and how islands are classified, and there’s an index and glossary, the latter starting with Aboriginal and ending with Verdant. It concludes with quotes from women of the islands who kindly shared their stories with Albinia. A book that is a clear passion project, and as inspiring as it is informative.
Travel across oceans and through time with award-winning historian and storyteller Alice Albinia in her first children's book, Once Upon an Island.
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Travel across oceans and through time with award-winning historian and storyteller Alice Albinia in her first children's book, Once Upon an Island. Discover 20 wondrous islands - from the rugged landscape of the Orkney islands that people of the Stone Age once called home, to the sunny coasts of the Isles of Scilly.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Once Upon An Island and determined it is suitable for children aged 7-10 years old
Once Upon An Island features in the following genres: Featured Books for 7+ readers, Featured Books for 9+ readers, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, The Natural World, People / Places, Ecological and Environmental Interest - Non Fiction, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Geography, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage: Social issues / topics, Educational: Humanities and social sciences, general, Educational material
Hardback. £15.29, down from the £16.99 cover price. In Stock.
Once Upon An Island was written by Alice Albinia and published by Magic Cat Publishing
Once Upon An Island has 61 pages
£15.29, reduced from £16.99. In Stock.
