The Lost Island

By Samantha Wheeler

Illustrated by Anke Noack

UQP 2026

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Samantha Wheeler has written several popular books focused on nature and wildlife including Devils in Danger, Mister Cassowary, Smooch & Rose, Wombat Warriors and more. In The Lost Island, while the focus is primarily on the emotions and adventures of a young boy, the wild island setting emphasises the importance of nature in our lives.

Theo thinks there’s nothing worse than being stuck on a Pacific cruise with his dad, new stepmum and annoying stepsister. He’s a bit of a worrywart, always concerned about possible dangers lurking everywhere. His stepsister is the opposite brave, daring full of a zest for life. Theo suspects his dad has lost interest in him and is completely taken over by his new family. But these thoughts and feelings are nothing when he’s thrown overboard during a storm and washes up on a desert island. He suddenly has much bigger problems –  surviving and finding a way home.

As Theo tackles castaway life – finding food, water and shelter – he discovers the island is full of mysteries: spooky noises, possible ghosts and the strangest birds he’s ever seen. Theo has always armoured himself with a battery of Fast Facts: he has lots of random information about world’s dangers. These sometimes feed into his anxiety and he has to ‘breathe in, one, two three, breathe out, one, two, three. But he is coping reasonably well because he has help from an old lady full of practical knowledge about conditions on the island. Will he find a way home and what will he find if and when he gets there?

This is an exciting adventure story with a touching family story at its core. Wheeler is honest and forthright about the challenging conditions Theo faces, so while the island is stunningly beautiful it is also quite uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. The natural world is omnipresent, impossible to avoid, a force to reckon with – a salutary lesson for Theo and for readers sitting in midsts of home comforts.

Peopled with some fascinating characters The Lost Island is an exhilarating combination of modern Robinson Crusoe meets Eeyore which Wheeler brings to a triumphant conclusion. Noack’s illustrations, liberally sprinkled throughout add a lighthearted touch, and a big thank you for the map. I don’t think I am alone in loving a book that starts with a map. Recommended for home and school libraries and Reader’s Cup competitions.

Teacher’s Notes

For readers aged 9 – 12