Steven F Seagull and the Missing Chips, by Kitty May Gruchelska, is a delightful adventure set on the coast of Britain. The story follows Steven Fitzgerald Seagull, affectionately known as Fitzy, who embarks on another day of work alongside his fellow seagulls. Their mission is to find their sacred and favorite food: delicious, salty chips. However, a crisis strikes their home of Fry Cove when all the chips mysteriously disappear, leading Fitzy on a thrilling quest to save his hometown.
Gruchelska’s storytelling is engaging, reminiscent of an animated movie for children. The action unfolds rapidly, and the author’s lively style keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. Written from Fitzy’s perspective, the book immerses the reader in his journey as he meets a diverse cast of characters. Fitzy’s best friend Charlie is kind and tough, Percy Pigeon’s shyness is endearing, the Artful Dodger’s bravado leaps off the page, and the intrepid Ellie comes through when it matters most.
One of the many standout features in the book is the depiction of the Annual Chip Festival, where the community’s love for chips is celebrated with fervor and excitement. The scene where chips rain down like confetti is both amusing and endearing, capturing the essence of the seagulls’ joy and camaraderie. Gruchelska also excels in portraying the crisis that ensues when the chips vanish, highlighting the seagulls’ desperation and the comedic chaos that follows.
The thematic exploration of dependency and adaptability is subtly woven throughout the narrative. The protagonist’s journey from a carefree chip lover to a determined seeker of solutions adds depth to the story. Steven’s interactions with various characters, like his supportive best friend Stephanie Charlotte and the enigmatic mystic Stefania Rose, provide valuable lessons about resilience and self-belief. The scene where Steven consults the emergency seagull hotline is particularly poignant, showcasing the community’s collective anxiety and the humorous yet dire straits they find themselves in.
Steven F. Seagull & The Missing Chips is a delightful read that offers a unique blend of humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments. Kitty May Gruchelska’s ability to craft a charming world filled with memorable characters makes this book a joy for readers of all ages. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted and entertaining story that also imparts meaningful lessons about community and adaptability. Whether you’re a fan of whimsical tales or simply in need of a feel-good read, this book is sure to leave you smiling.
A lovely feel good story for children and adults alike.
A wonderful feel-good story
What a brilliant book! Gruchelska’s witty and charming story weaves adventure, bravery and suspense to create a hilarious mystery with clever characters and interesting twists. They underlying messaging about teamwork shines through and feels genuine, which is hard to master in children/YA books.
Whether you’re a young reader or an adult, this book will leaving you feeling great and nostalgia for the English seaside! Can highly recommend reading, but make sure you do with a portion of chips on hand.
Steven F Seagull
Steven F Seagull is a part of the colonies’ chip recovery team. When the chips disappear in peak tourist season, Steven is tasked with finding out what happened. Along with a motley crew, Steven learns courage and friendship can bring him through most anything.
This was an unexpected delight to read. The world building was solid and fleshed out and the plot was great. This is a fantastic story for young readers and I will be reading it to my 6 year old at bedtime.
A fun, entertaining mystery takes flight!
Author Kitty May Gruchelska scores a resounding success in her book STEVEN F SEAGULL & THE MISSING CHIPS, intended for youngsters and teens (and all the young at heart!), shaping a fine mystery in the format of relating interesting principles in a population of seagulls.
In a very clever mystery setting in the oceanside Fry Cove, the author capitalizes on the popularity of chips – not only among humans but also seagulls – and the food preference of these birds is abruptly challenged when the chips disappear. The titular character Steven (aka Fitzy) plays his role in the reconnaissance team to find the perpetrator. The investigation is both hilarious and entertaining as the colleagues form their version of the CIA (‘Chips Investigation Agency’) and the various characters interact and combine to solve the ‘hungry’ mystery! The accompanying illustrations add to the pleasure of reading this fine book.
Readers of all ages will find enjoyment as well as themes of believing in one’s self and the values of cooperation and teamwork that make this new story a success. Highly recommended.
Feathers and Friendship
Kitty May Gruchelska’s charming children’s book, “Steven F Seagull & The Missing Chips,” offers young readers a delightful adventure filled with mystery and valuable lessons about teamwork. The story follows Steven F Seagull and his feathered friends as they embark on a whimsical quest to discover why their beloved chips have vanished from their favorite beach spot.
Gruchelska crafts a narrative that is both engaging and educational, utilizing a light-hearted mystery to teach children the importance of working together and solving problems collectively. The characters are endearingly crafted, each contributing uniquely to the group’s dynamics and the story’s resolution, highlighting diverse approaches to challenges.
Illustrations in the book are vivid and playful, perfectly complementing the story’s upbeat tone and setting, and making the tale come alive. “Steven F Seagull & The Missing Chips” is not only fun but also a tool for parents and educators to discuss the impact of cooperation and friendship.
Great read,very interesting.
“Steven F. Seagull & The Missing Chips” by Kitty May Gruchelska is a delightful tale blending humor with a dash of mystery. The story unfolds around Steven F. Seagull’s quest to uncover the culprit behind vanishing potato chips at a seaside carnival.
Gruchelska’s witty narrative and charming illustrations create an engaging read for children, filled with amusing antics and a clever twist. Perfect for young readers who enjoy whimsical adventures with a feathered detective!
Super creative
This is one of those books that I don’t think a review will be able to make someone else read it. It was imaginative, creative, and funny. This book is all about seagull society and how it mirrors our own. The main characters go on a mission to save their chips (or French fries, if you’re American) that have suddenly disappeared.
This is a great book for all ages. Even my 5 year old thought it was funny. I read about 6 chapters of it for bedtime for him. I would think middle schoolers would love this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This feel-good tale of self-belief and teamwork is a delightful adventure.
In Fry Cove, a seaside town where seagulls feast on tourists’ chips, Steven Fitzgerald, a struggling chip scout, dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. His world turns upside down when the chips mysteriously disappear, triggering a “chipocalypse.”
Who is behind this crime? The Deny the Fry colony, which wants seagulls to return to eating fish, or the seagull mafia boss, Stefano Giacomo, with his pizza and pasta plot?
Steven joins the newly formed Chips Investigation Agency (CIA) with his quirky team, including Fitzy, Charlie, Steven Colton, karate-chopping Bart, and Steven Rhys. Together, they must solve the mystery. This feel-good tale of self-belief and teamwork is a delightful adventure filled with unique characters and surprising alliances.
an engaging and enjoyable read.
**Book Review: Steven F Seagull & The Missing Chips by Kitty May Gruchelska**
*Steven F Seagull & The Missing Chips* is a whimsical mystery set in the seaside town of Fry Cove. When the town’s chips mysteriously disappear, Steven Fitzgerald, a member of the chip reconnaissance team with entrepreneurial dreams, is drawn into the investigation.
The suspects include the Deny the Fry colony, pushing for a return to a fish diet, and mafia boss Stefano Giacomo, scheming to convert seagulls to pizza and pasta.
Kitty May Gruchelska blends humor, suspense, and charm in this delightful tale, making it an engaging and enjoyable read.
A Delightful Seaside Mystery for Young Readers
“Steven F Seagull & The Missing Chips” by Kitty May Gruchelska is an enchanting and whimsical adventure that captures the hearts of young readers and adults alike. The story revolves around the charming and clever detective, Steven F Seagull, who embarks on a mission to solve the mystery of the missing chips. Gruchelska’s storytelling is filled with humor, creativity, and delightful twists that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
The characters in this book are vividly brought to life, each with their unique personalities that add depth and fun to the narrative. Steven F Seagull, with his keen detective skills and endearing quirks, makes for a memorable protagonist that children will love to root for. The supporting cast, including other quirky seaside creatures, adds richness and color to the story.
Gruchelska’s writing is accessible and engaging, making it a perfect read for children. The illustrations accompanying the text are charming and enhance the storytelling, making the book visually appealing and even more enjoyable. The seaside setting is beautifully described, immersing readers in the vibrant world of Steven F Seagull. (…)
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