Living At the Edge of the World

Summer

Published Copy

Genres

Environmental Fiction, Fantasy Adventure, Mythology, Middle Grade, Novels, and Children

Type of Ending

Series

The Papala Island Adventure Series — Book 3

Series Read Order

Reading prior books is not required

Author Prefers A Review On

Goodreads, Amazon, or BookBub

Reader Spots Remaining

Number of days to read

Publication Date

Jun 21, 2026

Page Length

125 pages

Available Formats

ePub and PDF

Living At the Edge of the World

Summer

Published Copy

Blurb

A captivating Island tale where selkie legends inspire courage and conversation.

When twelve-year-old Tabitha returns to the remote Shetland island of Papala, she expects adventure with her twin brother and friend—not trouble.

As their ferry approaches Papala, Tabitha discovers what appears to be a selkie skin drifting in the harbour. Local legend says the skin belongs to a mythical creature—half human, half seal—and that if it is not returned before midnight, the island will be cursed with generations of bad luck.

But Papala is already under threat. Pollution creeps along the coast, the bird sanctuary is at risk, and the island’s owner plans to sell. With time running out, Tabitha and her brother must uncover the truth and convince the islanders to protect their home.

Themes:

Selkies
Self-confidence
Speaking up
For ages 9 to 12

Details

Genres

Environmental Fiction, Fantasy Adventure, Mythology, Middle Grade, Novels, and Children

Type of Ending

Series

The Papala Island Adventure Series — Book 3

Series Read Order

Reading prior books is not required

Author Prefers A Review On

Goodreads, Amazon, or BookBub

Reader Spots Remaining

Number of days to read

Publication Date

Jun 21, 2026

Page Length

125 pages

Available Formats

ePub and PDF

Author

S. J. Barratt is a self-published, professionally edited children’s author whose eco-themed stories celebrate the connection between people and the natural world. Rooted in an English countryside upbringing and shaped by a career in agriculture, she blends a gardener’s curiosity with a storyteller’s warmth to her writing. Now based in Lyon, France, Suzanne creates tales that inspire middle-grade readers to swap screen time for green time—and rediscover the wonders waiting just outside their door.