The Riddle of the Sea

When Ravian's father doesn't return home from sea for his son's birthday, Ravian is certain he must be in danger. Hearing tales of a cursed ship that captures fishermen, Ravian goes in search of his father accompanied by his only friend Marvin the seagull. Before long, the pair find themselves trapped on the ship with only a kindly boy and a bad-tempered pirate for company. The ensuing voyage is beset with battles with giant squid and fierce storms, and Ravian despairs of every finding his father.

At once, a gripping fantasy adventure and a thoughtful story of friendship and overcoming fears, THE RIDDLE OF THE SEA is a hugely entertaining debut from an exciting young author. The book features stunning cover and black-and-white illustrations by acclaimed illustrator Karl James Mountford, and is translated from Dutch by Laura Watkinson, Carnegie-Medal 2020 short-listed translator of Lampie by Annet Schaap.

We loved this book. Pirates, adventure on the high seas, rescues........
The main characters are relatable, brave and caring (even the grumpy pirate). There is tension and excitement but only mildly scary. The children thought it was the best pirate book we had read for ages.

-- Karen Hammond NetGalley
I read this book really quickly, it is really well written with an enchanting plot and well developed characters that I think children will really engage with. The illustrations were beautiful and will really help children bring their imagination even more into play. A really good book. -- Aria Harlow NetGalley
Lyrical and sweet...The characters. Oh how I am a sucker for a pirate...The plot. OMG YES. Scary, but not bloody. Engaging and OH those pictures!! PRETTYPRETTYPRETTY. And I will always be a sucker for a sea battle... Overall. I know I'm not the audience for this book, but I'm sure those who are will ADORE this. As it stands, it was fun, light hearted and I regret nothing. -- GG Reads NetGalley

Jonne Kramer studied creative writing at the University of Westminster in London. She currently lives in Amsterdam where she teaches creative writing in primary and secondary schools. The Riddle of the Sea is her debut novel. This heartwarming story was nominated for several prestigious prizes, including the Hotze de Roos-prize (for best Children's Book Debut) and the Dutch Children's Jury Prize.

A gripping sea adventure featuring a lost father and a cursed ship makes for an outstanding debut by an exciting new author. When Ravian's father doesn't return home from sea for his son's birthday, Ravian is certain he must be in danger. Hearing tales of a cursed ship that captures fishermen, Ravian goes in search of his father accompanied by his only friend Marvin the seagull. Before long, the pair find themselves trapped on the ship with only a kindly boy and a bad-tempered pirate for company. The ensuing voyage is beset with battles with giant squid and fierce storms, and Ravian despairs of every finding his father. At once, a gripping fantasy adventure and a thoughtful story of friendship and overcoming fears, THE RIDDLE OF THE SEA is a hugely entertaining debut from an exciting young author. The book features stunning cover and black-and-white illustrations by acclaimed illustrator Karl James Mountford, and is translated from Dutch by Laura Watkinson, Carnegie-Medal 2020 short-listed translator of Lampie by Annet Schaap.

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