Alex and Zoey have been testing the water of Haven, trying to prove that it's being polluted by a new building on the seafront. Called The Station, no-one knows what goes on in there. What they are sure of, is that their vain, greedy Mayor has something to do with it. Alex Neptune has grown up with stories of the Water Dragon which is credited with creating the strange shaped bay in his seaside hometown. He’s never believed them, and indeed, has always avoided the sea, convinced it wants him dead. But just as the waters of Haven Bay are most in need of help, choked with litter and polluted by chemicals from the town’s new industrial plant, Alex discovers that the Water Dragon is more than just a myth and that he has a special role to play in saving it, and thereby the oceans it protects. Size - While the Water Dragon is in a diminished energy-saving-mode size that can fit easily inside an ice-cream van for most of the story, we'll be assessing its size based on the final form when it was returned to fuller (if not full) power. This means while it is possible the bay's shape was indeed like that because the Water Dragon took a bite out of it (leaving it with a 7 or potential 8), the climax size is roughly the size of the boat/ship of the villain. Which isn't huge in dragon numbers (5/10)

Alex Neptune, Pirate Hunter by David Owen | Waterstones Alex Neptune, Pirate Hunter by David Owen | Waterstones

Alex Neptune: Dragon Thief officially releases tomorrow and is Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month for August. Their exclusive edition has a wonderful greeny sprayed and stencilled edge with octopus arms on it (they aren’t tentacles - right David?). There’s also purple foiling on the cover of all editions 💜 and the both the internal illustrations and cover were by George Ermos - and I can’t believe I missed the map until I was looking for the illustrator name! I liked how the burgeoning friendship developed with new boy Anil and the dynamic between him and Alex’s best friend Zoey. She definitely gave me Demelza vibes (or Data in Goonies) and it was interesting to see the art vs technology disagreement with her father. Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief is a fun and exciting mystery with a fantastic cast of human and animal characters. Hello Yellow - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health and Support With Anxiety and Wellbeing -

Obviously special mention has to be made of the animal characters. The otters were just adorable, the thieving seagull was very amusing, and Kraken the blue octopus was just wonderful! With as much mystery and intrigue as the ocean itself, readers will be swept away by this adventure'. - Clare Povey, author of The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre Power - The power to control the oceans and all that is connected to it. Bummer that some toxins managed to defeat it and distance from the ocean weakens it. Can't even take on a boat. Pathetic (4l10). I would not recommend reading this book without having read the first. Although explanations are given, the world turned from ordinary to extraordinary by the time we left the three friends the last time. Following the success of the first book, Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief, which was selected as a Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month when it published in August 2022 in the UK, two further titles are scheduled to publish in 2023: Alex Neptune, Pirate Hunter, publishing on 2nd March, and Alex Neptune, Monster Avenger, out on 6th July.

Alex Nepture, Dragon Thief by David Owen - BookWormHole Review - Alex Nepture, Dragon Thief by David Owen - BookWormHole

Alex has always feared the sea, and he soon learns the reason why. It is all wrapped up in the history of the town and a mythical dragon. Tension builds as a rescue plan is put together and then launched. Things going wrong add to the a reader's excitement, all while an environmental string weaves through the story - The ocean environment has been spoiled for financial gain of a few.Alex's best friend is Zoey, a keen inventor and budding engineer. Her father runs a scrap business, but yearns to be a full-time artist. His creations are made from the scrap he collects, and Zoey fears for his artist dreams. I loved this story and can't recommend it enough. The adventure, humour and magic will hook all readers and I am sure would be a well-read and loved book in any classroom. The story is perfect for children 9+ (Years 5 and 6). Will there be another one? I hope so. Thank you, David! With as much mystery and intrigue as the ocean itself, readers will be swept away by this adventure.” - Clare Povey, author of The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre

Alex Neptune Books in Order | Toppsta All the Alex Neptune Books in Order | Toppsta

Usborne has acquired two new titles from David Owen in the “funny” and “magical” Alex Neptune series, which follows a schoolboy with the power of the ocean in his hands. Personality - Not enough dragon personality from this one I'm afraid. It was written as a wild animal that could understand animals and protect the ocean, yet it never acted like a proper dragon, and let mercy be its downfall. (2/10) The dragon left to catch up on its work while keeping in touch with Alex at times. The problems of their little town are not over, though. Author Luke Palmer introduces his new book, Play (Firefly Press) about four boys growing up together, the challenges, the friendships, and what hap... Honestly, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect going into this! Adorable, mischievous animals and a very (possibly overly) strong “save the ocean” message was what greeted me, and what a fun, chill read it was!

In book one Alex had to combat his fear and now in book two he needs to work on his self confidence - Alex experiences a serious and nearly debilitating case of imposter syndrome. But the cast of characters from book one including his best friends Zoey and Anil, sister Bridget and Grandpa are all here to support him in his endeavours.

Alex Neptune: Dragon Thief — Just Imagine Alex Neptune: Dragon Thief — Just Imagine

I loved the subtle chosen one vibes and how Alex’s fear had kept him from realising his potential and how he takes steps to manage this, all whilst doing some very scary things like facing the villainous Raze Callis (excellent villain name btw). We also had new characters introduced who bought mystery and a lesson about making sure things are done the right way rather than by any means necessary. First of all I have been following David’s work for years and I am so happy that he has tried his hand at children’s/MG as well as YA - and that this book looks to be blowing up in a good way! I absolutely loved this story and couldn't put it down! I am sure children in any Year 5 and Year 6 classroom would feel the same. The twists and turns throughout the plot keep you guessing what is going to happen next and nothing about the story is predictable. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments

By Author / Illustrator

One day, Alex is given a small octopus, found in the tunnels along the cliffs. This is surprising as most sea creatures left or died in Haven's disgusting water. This octopus isn't like anything he's researched in all things oceanic. This octopus is super smart, and leads him to the local aquarium, closed down and empty.