Secrets at Sea

2011 novel by Richard Peck
0-1424-2183-9Followed byThe Mouse with the Question Mark Tail 

Secrets at Sea is a 2011 children's novel written by Newbery medalist Richard Peck and illustrated by award-winning artist Kelly Murphy. It is a tale of a family of mice stowaways on an adventurous ship's journey, set in the late 19th century.

Plot

The Story of the four mice and their journey on a ship.

Characters

  • Helena – The protagonist character, is the oldest mouse.
  • Lamont
  • Camilla
  • Olive
  • Duchess of Cheddar Gorge
  • Nigel
  • Mrs. Flora
  • Mr. Floyd
  • Lord Sebastian Sandown
  • Mr. and Mrs. Cranston
  • Mother and Father
  • Katinka Van Tassel Dutch
  • Vicky
  • Alice
  • Mrs. Flint
  • Mona
  • Mrs. Minture
  • Gideon McSorley
  • Barn
  • Aunt Fannie Fanimore
  • Elena
  • Cecil
  • Queen Victoria
  • Lord Peter
  • Lady Augusta Drear
  • Nanny Pratt
  • Little Lord Sandown
  • The Mouse Queen

Reception

Secrets at Sea has received widespread acclaim and was featured on best books of the year lists by the New York Times,[1] Kirkus Reviews[2] and People Magazine.[3] Additionally, the artwork for Secrets at Sea received Gold Medals[4] from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, as well as distinction from the Society of Illustrators in New York.[5]

Awards

Best of lists

2011 Notable Children's Books, The New York Times[6]
2011 Best Books for Children, Kirkus Reviews
2011 Ten Best Books for Children, People magazine

Starred reviews

2011 Starred Review, Publishers Weekly[7]
2011 Starred Review, The Horn Book magazine[8]
2011 Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews[9]

Illustration competitions

2012 Original Art Show, Society of Illustrators
2013 Gold Medal (Children's Market Category), Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles

References

  1. ^ Egan, Elisabeth (10 November 2011). "Mice, Twice (Published 2011)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2023-02-04.
  2. ^ Vicky Smith (ed.). "Best Children's Books of 2011". Archived from the original on 2012-03-02.
  3. ^ Steve Jenkins. "Picks for Kids: People Magazine's Ten Best Books for Children in 2011". Archived from the original on 2016-03-31.
  4. ^ The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles 51st Annual Illustration Exhibition Gold Award Children's Market Category
  5. ^ The Society of Illustrators Original Art 2012 Featured Artists
  6. ^ New York Times Notable Children’s Books of 2011
  7. ^ Secrets At Sea Starred Review on Publishers Weekly
  8. ^ Secrets At Sea a Starred Book on The Horn Book
  9. ^ Starred review on Kirkus
  • Children's literature portal
  • Secrets At Sea page on Kelly Murphy's official website