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.
Chapters:
Chapter 1 – Great changes
Chapter 2 – Skitter and Jitter
Chapter 3 – The Haystack
Chapter 4 – When Night and Darkness Fell
Chapter 5 – Two Futures
Chapter 6 – A World of Steam and Humans
Chapter 7 – Dinner is Served
Chapter 8 – The Law of the Sea
Chapter 9 – A Royal Command
Chapter 10 – Camilla's Train
Chapter 11 – Sebastian's Secret Sweet Shop
Chapter 12 – Secrets the Dark Night Keeps
Chapter 13 – Dynasty and Destiny
Chapter 14 – Waltz Time
Chapter 15 – A Fond Toodle-oo
Chapter 16 – A Palace Wedding
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, Kirkus Reviews and People Magazine. Additionally, the artwork for Secrets at Sea received Gold Medals from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, as well as distinction from the Society of Illustrators in New York.
Awards
Best of lists
2011 Notable Children's Books, The New York Times
2011 Best Books for Children, Kirkus Reviews
2011 Ten Best Books for Children, People Magazine
Starred reviews
2011 Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
2011 Starred Review, The Horn Book
2011 Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
Illustration competitions
2012 Original Art Show, Society of Illustrators
2013 Gold Medal (Children's Market Category), Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles