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Neptune's Secret Code
� ★★ An Undersea Adventure filled with Magic, Friendship, and Bravery! ★★�
When Hannah is sucked into a vicious whirlpool in her effort to rescue kitten Leo, she finds herself entering Neptune’s Undersea Kingdom where she reawakens terrifying sea monsters from the depths of the sea.
The trouble is� Hannah is unable to return home until she’s overcome her fear of the water, defeated the sea monsters, and solved the code that she broke upon entering Neptune’s Kingdom.
With the help of her new friend, Marcie the Mermaid, will Hannah succeed?
When Hannah is sucked into a vicious whirlpool in her effort to rescue kitten Leo, she finds herself entering Neptune’s Undersea Kingdom where she reawakens terrifying sea monsters from the depths of the sea.
The trouble is� Hannah is unable to return home until she’s overcome her fear of the water, defeated the sea monsters, and solved the code that she broke upon entering Neptune’s Kingdom.
With the help of her new friend, Marcie the Mermaid, will Hannah succeed?
ebook
Published June 12, 2024
About the author
Genna Rowbotham
10books11followersGenna Rowbotham started her career as a secretary and has since founded GEN Typing Services, an online secretarial business. Inspired by her children, in 2017, she wrote her first story and is now the author of ten books as well as a short story published in the magazine, Brilliant Brainz. Genna has a passion for writing stories that entertain, educate and inspire young ones so they can escape the seriousness of life and enter a world of magic.
She lives with her husband and lively, imaginative daughters in Derbyshire in a house full of books, magazines and all sorts of artwork from her children (empty cereal boxes are often taken from the recycle bin to reinvent something wonderful like a spy camera or a telescope).
When Genna’s not writing, she loves reading, star gazing, movie nights, and exploring the great outdoors with her family. You can find out more about Genna’s books on her website at
She lives with her husband and lively, imaginative daughters in Derbyshire in a house full of books, magazines and all sorts of artwork from her children (empty cereal boxes are often taken from the recycle bin to reinvent something wonderful like a spy camera or a telescope).
When Genna’s not writing, she loves reading, star gazing, movie nights, and exploring the great outdoors with her family. You can find out more about Genna’s books on her website at
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 8, 2024
Neptune’s Secret Code (2024) is a full-length fantasy-adventure for children from author Genna Rowbotham, two of whose picture books for much younger kids I’ve read and reviewed previously. My thanks to Genna for kindly sending me a review copy of this book which explores themes of facing and not being imprisoned by one’s fears, positive thinking and belief in oneself, lessons as relevant for us adults sometimes as the kids this is aimed at. And surprisingly this book also happens to feature a kitten, Leo who leads our young heroine to her adventure, something I didn’t know when starting it, and so also anticipates #ReadingtheMeow2024 which kicks off on Monday!
Young Hannah is travelling with her dad and mom to the Morvoren, Cornwall where she must spend six weeks with her Auntie Meg while her parents are on a business trip. This isn’t a holiday Hannah is too keen on and we soon sense in her a fear or dislike of the sea. There’s little choice but Hannah is determined not to set foot anywhere near the sea, which might prove hard as Auntie’s Meg lovely little cottage is right by it. Meg has a few surprises for Hannah when they arrive at her cottage—among these is her new pet, a tiny kitten whom Hannah names Leo and immediately befriends. The other present is trickier, a pretty swimming costume with plenty of sparkles which she likes, and yet—it’s a swimming costume and she never wants to go near the sea. The sparkles win though and she does decide to try it on (and no more).
Meanwhile as she steps out to play with Leo on her first morning in Morvoren, the little kitten gets up to all sorts of mischief. But chasing a crab and playing with pebbles at a rock pool turn out more than a simple game when both Leo and in an effort to rescue him, Hannah are pulled right into the pool and taken to a different world altogether—the Kingdom of Neptune, no less. Here Hannah finds she must face various fears from frightening monsters to the sea itself if she ever wants to rescue Leo and return home.
Neptune’s Secret Code is a delightful undersea adventure with magical settings and characters, plenty of danger and also valuable lesson learnt along the way, mostly shown. With just a few characters, this will also be easy for younger readers to grasp.
The undersea settings take us, among others to Neptune’s Cave, a beautiful pearl island marbled in different shades of pink and also a glittery blue crystal castle. But amidst all this beauty, fears must also be faced as Hannah finds it is she who has to make the effort before she can return home to Auntie Meg—whether it is facing scary sea monsters who’ve been let loose in Neptune’s kingdom or worse, her own fears of the water. Luckily, she is not alone, for there is Neptune himself with his long white beard, trident and chariot drawn by hippocamps, a sweet dolphin Domitus and rainbow-haired mermaid Marcie, whom Hannah doesn’t immediately take to but does end up befriending. These new friends (Leo is there too but he can’t do much) help her face her fears, working with her to complete her tasks. In the process, she not only learns many lessons but also forms friendships, understanding their value, too.
The book puts across its messages well, both telling and showing but not in a didactic manner. It is in the course of her undersea adventure that Hannah learns these, whether about not allowing herself to be overcome by her fears or to think positive thoughts and many come both from the situations she is confronted with and those she meets, particularly Marcie, rather than being ‘taught� by an elder which makes it much more effective.
An entertaining and nicely paced fantasy adventure which has plenty of excitement and danger, animals, monsters and mythological characters and also a main character young readers can relate to and will enjoy following, while learning some important lessons painlessly along the way. Illustrated in black and white by Terry Cooper.
Young Hannah is travelling with her dad and mom to the Morvoren, Cornwall where she must spend six weeks with her Auntie Meg while her parents are on a business trip. This isn’t a holiday Hannah is too keen on and we soon sense in her a fear or dislike of the sea. There’s little choice but Hannah is determined not to set foot anywhere near the sea, which might prove hard as Auntie’s Meg lovely little cottage is right by it. Meg has a few surprises for Hannah when they arrive at her cottage—among these is her new pet, a tiny kitten whom Hannah names Leo and immediately befriends. The other present is trickier, a pretty swimming costume with plenty of sparkles which she likes, and yet—it’s a swimming costume and she never wants to go near the sea. The sparkles win though and she does decide to try it on (and no more).
Meanwhile as she steps out to play with Leo on her first morning in Morvoren, the little kitten gets up to all sorts of mischief. But chasing a crab and playing with pebbles at a rock pool turn out more than a simple game when both Leo and in an effort to rescue him, Hannah are pulled right into the pool and taken to a different world altogether—the Kingdom of Neptune, no less. Here Hannah finds she must face various fears from frightening monsters to the sea itself if she ever wants to rescue Leo and return home.
Neptune’s Secret Code is a delightful undersea adventure with magical settings and characters, plenty of danger and also valuable lesson learnt along the way, mostly shown. With just a few characters, this will also be easy for younger readers to grasp.
The undersea settings take us, among others to Neptune’s Cave, a beautiful pearl island marbled in different shades of pink and also a glittery blue crystal castle. But amidst all this beauty, fears must also be faced as Hannah finds it is she who has to make the effort before she can return home to Auntie Meg—whether it is facing scary sea monsters who’ve been let loose in Neptune’s kingdom or worse, her own fears of the water. Luckily, she is not alone, for there is Neptune himself with his long white beard, trident and chariot drawn by hippocamps, a sweet dolphin Domitus and rainbow-haired mermaid Marcie, whom Hannah doesn’t immediately take to but does end up befriending. These new friends (Leo is there too but he can’t do much) help her face her fears, working with her to complete her tasks. In the process, she not only learns many lessons but also forms friendships, understanding their value, too.
The book puts across its messages well, both telling and showing but not in a didactic manner. It is in the course of her undersea adventure that Hannah learns these, whether about not allowing herself to be overcome by her fears or to think positive thoughts and many come both from the situations she is confronted with and those she meets, particularly Marcie, rather than being ‘taught� by an elder which makes it much more effective.
An entertaining and nicely paced fantasy adventure which has plenty of excitement and danger, animals, monsters and mythological characters and also a main character young readers can relate to and will enjoy following, while learning some important lessons painlessly along the way. Illustrated in black and white by Terry Cooper.
June 11, 2024
An exciting journey into a magical, mystical kingdom beneath the waves in what I'd describe as a good old-fashioned romp of the sort that is timeless. This is the story of Hannah who, her parent's away on a business trip, gets to spend some time staying with her aunt in her cliff top house beside the sea.
Sounds idyllic, right? Well, it might be if the sea didn't hold such scary memories for Hannah. And yet, in a bid to save her new pet/her aunt's kitten {Leo} who has got into a spot of bother whilst playing at the side of a rockpool, put aside her fears she must.
What happens next is a wild roller-coaster {or should that be a life raft?} ride of a read as Hannah faces some terrifying creatures of the deep whilst, with the help of her new found friend, Marcie the Mermaid, trying to solve a mysterious secret code in order not just to rescue Leo but to save Neptune's beach.
The text split by simple black and white illustrations, Neptune's Secret Code is a fun, dramatic tale with just the right amount of peril for the age range it is targeted at {namely those aged seven to ten} and, what's more, there are some lessons to be learnt along the way which would make for some great discussions.
A fun, adventure packed read any time but, given that we are rapidly approaching the 6+ weeks summer holiday here in the UK, this would make an ideal summer read.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in the Blog Tour of this book. Agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own. No financial compensation was asked for nor given. Threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.
Sounds idyllic, right? Well, it might be if the sea didn't hold such scary memories for Hannah. And yet, in a bid to save her new pet/her aunt's kitten {Leo} who has got into a spot of bother whilst playing at the side of a rockpool, put aside her fears she must.
What happens next is a wild roller-coaster {or should that be a life raft?} ride of a read as Hannah faces some terrifying creatures of the deep whilst, with the help of her new found friend, Marcie the Mermaid, trying to solve a mysterious secret code in order not just to rescue Leo but to save Neptune's beach.
The text split by simple black and white illustrations, Neptune's Secret Code is a fun, dramatic tale with just the right amount of peril for the age range it is targeted at {namely those aged seven to ten} and, what's more, there are some lessons to be learnt along the way which would make for some great discussions.
A fun, adventure packed read any time but, given that we are rapidly approaching the 6+ weeks summer holiday here in the UK, this would make an ideal summer read.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in the Blog Tour of this book. Agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own. No financial compensation was asked for nor given. Threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.
July 4, 2024
So me and my little one Georgia sat down to read this one together. Georgia loved the synopsis straightaway.
Hannah is travelling to stay with her auntie in Cornwall.. she’s not overly excited at first as she has a real fear of the sea but her auntie has a secret weapon to keep her happy…a lovely little kitten.. Leo.
Auntie Meg does everything she can to get Hannah to let go any enjoy herself but it’s little Leo that ultimately gets Hannah out of the house and reluctantly down by the sea..
Sucked into a whirlpool this sends Hannah on a magical journey and the only way to get home is to overcome her fears..
Georgia was taken in quite quickly by the story and the characters and loved the pictures too.
For me, I just loved the theme.. it’s got a the fantasy adventure edge that will appeal but I loved the idea of Hannah needing to face her fears.. it’s more depth to the tale than simply being a fun little adventure.
The author did a really great job of depicting a fascinating undersea world.. full a marvellous creatures and scary monsters.
The chapters are a decent length for a young reader, Georgia is 9 and reads well and you could see the flow was spot on, enticing her to read more.. it’s not always easy to keep a 9 year old focused but the author effortlessly kept her attention fully on the story.
Overall Neptune’s Secret Code is a vivid, perfectly paced fantasy perfectly aimed at younger readers and as a parent it felt great seeing Hannah battle those fears.. we all have fears we need to battle in life and it was nice to see the author tackle that in such a fun and exciting way.
Hannah is travelling to stay with her auntie in Cornwall.. she’s not overly excited at first as she has a real fear of the sea but her auntie has a secret weapon to keep her happy…a lovely little kitten.. Leo.
Auntie Meg does everything she can to get Hannah to let go any enjoy herself but it’s little Leo that ultimately gets Hannah out of the house and reluctantly down by the sea..
Sucked into a whirlpool this sends Hannah on a magical journey and the only way to get home is to overcome her fears..
Georgia was taken in quite quickly by the story and the characters and loved the pictures too.
For me, I just loved the theme.. it’s got a the fantasy adventure edge that will appeal but I loved the idea of Hannah needing to face her fears.. it’s more depth to the tale than simply being a fun little adventure.
The author did a really great job of depicting a fascinating undersea world.. full a marvellous creatures and scary monsters.
The chapters are a decent length for a young reader, Georgia is 9 and reads well and you could see the flow was spot on, enticing her to read more.. it’s not always easy to keep a 9 year old focused but the author effortlessly kept her attention fully on the story.
Overall Neptune’s Secret Code is a vivid, perfectly paced fantasy perfectly aimed at younger readers and as a parent it felt great seeing Hannah battle those fears.. we all have fears we need to battle in life and it was nice to see the author tackle that in such a fun and exciting way.
August 8, 2024
I read Neptune's secret code after a very busy time at work and it was very
entertaining and relaxing.
Neptune's Secret Code by Genna is a delightful children's book that takes young
readers on an underwater adventure filled with mystery and wonder. The story
follows a group of curious children who discover an ancient code hidden in the
depths of the ocean, leading them on a quest to uncover the secrets of
Neptune's kingdom.
The book is beautifully illustrated, with vibrant colors and captivating images
that bring the underwater world to life. Genna's writing is engaging and accessible,
making it easy for children to follow along and stay excited about the unfolding
adventure. The characters are relatable, and the plot is filled with enough twists
and turns to keep young readers eagerly turning the pages.
What makes Neptune's Secret Code stand out is its perfect blend of fun and
educational elements. Alongside the thrilling narrative, children learn about
marine life, the importance of teamwork, and the value of curiosity and
perseverance.
Overall, Neptune's Secret Code is a fantastic read for children who love adventure
and fantasy. It's a book that not only entertains but also inspires a sense of
wonder about the natural world.
I give 5 star for this wonderful work!
entertaining and relaxing.
Neptune's Secret Code by Genna is a delightful children's book that takes young
readers on an underwater adventure filled with mystery and wonder. The story
follows a group of curious children who discover an ancient code hidden in the
depths of the ocean, leading them on a quest to uncover the secrets of
Neptune's kingdom.
The book is beautifully illustrated, with vibrant colors and captivating images
that bring the underwater world to life. Genna's writing is engaging and accessible,
making it easy for children to follow along and stay excited about the unfolding
adventure. The characters are relatable, and the plot is filled with enough twists
and turns to keep young readers eagerly turning the pages.
What makes Neptune's Secret Code stand out is its perfect blend of fun and
educational elements. Alongside the thrilling narrative, children learn about
marine life, the importance of teamwork, and the value of curiosity and
perseverance.
Overall, Neptune's Secret Code is a fantastic read for children who love adventure
and fantasy. It's a book that not only entertains but also inspires a sense of
wonder about the natural world.
I give 5 star for this wonderful work!
June 9, 2024
With summer holidays just arround the corner, your little curious one may be very keen to discover some new reading adventures, Neptune´s Secret Code by Genna Rowbotham, illustrated by Terry Cooper is a recommended read for the summer, with some interesting life lessons as well.
With her parents on a business trip, Hannah is sent for the summer vacation to her aunt in Cornwall, who lives in a house by the sea. The vicinity is a source of unrest and fear, as it reminds her of a traumatic episode from the past. But what about if she may stop thinking about the past and overcome her fears. An adventure underwater, where she is getting to know a friendly mermaid and Neptune himself, may change her mindset and motivate her to be more than her fears.
Neptune´s Secret Code is a relatively short book - less than 100 pages - strong in dialogues and skillfully illustrated by black-and-white graphics. The alternance between text and images may add subtext, especially when the most of the story is unfolding through dialogues. The exchanges between characters may keep the young reader connected to the story.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of a book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
With her parents on a business trip, Hannah is sent for the summer vacation to her aunt in Cornwall, who lives in a house by the sea. The vicinity is a source of unrest and fear, as it reminds her of a traumatic episode from the past. But what about if she may stop thinking about the past and overcome her fears. An adventure underwater, where she is getting to know a friendly mermaid and Neptune himself, may change her mindset and motivate her to be more than her fears.
Neptune´s Secret Code is a relatively short book - less than 100 pages - strong in dialogues and skillfully illustrated by black-and-white graphics. The alternance between text and images may add subtext, especially when the most of the story is unfolding through dialogues. The exchanges between characters may keep the young reader connected to the story.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of a book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
June 4, 2024
A delightful story about a young girl named Hannah, who must spend some time away with her Aunt while her parents are off on a business trip. The problem is, her aunt lives next to the sea, a place that holds a scary memory for Hannah. After a golden sea pebble is displaced, she enters Neptune's kingdom through a portal and must face her fears in order to save Neptune's Beach from the horrible sea creatures.
This story could be read out loud to your child, or for a young reader between the ages of 8-12 who enjoy fantasy tales. A great lesson is woven between Hannah's adventure which teaches the importance of facing one's fears, living life to the fullest, and keeping a positive mindset. Something all kids need to learn!
This story could be read out loud to your child, or for a young reader between the ages of 8-12 who enjoy fantasy tales. A great lesson is woven between Hannah's adventure which teaches the importance of facing one's fears, living life to the fullest, and keeping a positive mindset. Something all kids need to learn!
May 27, 2024
Neptune's Secret Code is a hilarious and thrilling journey into the deep blue sea that will have you on the edge of your seat (or maybe the edge of your life raft!). Hannah's decision to rescue a kitten leads her on a wild underwater escapade where she must face terrifying sea monsters and solve a mysterious code. And let's not forget about her new friend Marcie the Mermaid, who is sure to make a splash in this exciting undersea adventure. Packed with humor, suspense, and a whole lot of fishy business, Neptune's Secret Code is a must-read for any child or adult seeking an unforgettable underwater adventure. Just don't forget to bring your water wings!
June 5, 2024
I received an advance review copy of this book to review as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This is a delightful little fantasy adventure set in Cornwall. Hannah's attempt to rescue her lost kitten turns into an unexpected adventure, after she loses sight of him on the beach.
This was a lot of fun to read, and I think young readers will enjoy it, especially if they enjoy stories about mermaids and/or sea monsters. There are some super cute illustrations to go with it too. It was a charming story to read, very entertaining and sparked joy.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is a delightful little fantasy adventure set in Cornwall. Hannah's attempt to rescue her lost kitten turns into an unexpected adventure, after she loses sight of him on the beach.
This was a lot of fun to read, and I think young readers will enjoy it, especially if they enjoy stories about mermaids and/or sea monsters. There are some super cute illustrations to go with it too. It was a charming story to read, very entertaining and sparked joy.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
August 2, 2024
This story is an incredible adventure under the sea with mermaids, King Neptune, and a cute cat! Hannah will spend the summer with her aunt in a place close to the sea. Hanna is terrified of the water due to an accident, but when Leo, the kitten, runs towards some rocks close to the water, she needs to be brave and save him. Then she gets pulled through the waters and makes new friends who will help her overcome her fears and save Neptune's kingdom.
I love how Genna's stories are always teaching kids the sweetest way possible how they can overcome obstacles
I love how Genna's stories are always teaching kids the sweetest way possible how they can overcome obstacles
June 9, 2024
I was, and still am fascinated by the legends of Neptune, so I can imagine that the book with its mentions of monsters and mermaids will delight the younger reader, holding them captivated from beginning to end.
The cover image is vibrant and catches the eye and it also has some brilliant illustrations throughout that will make great talking points.
Rowbotham takes you and your younger reader on an exciting adventure beneath the waves into a magical kingdom waiting to be saved.
Remember if you ever find a golden pebble, leave it be. For you too may find yourself in Neptune's realm.
⭐⭐�. 5 stars
The cover image is vibrant and catches the eye and it also has some brilliant illustrations throughout that will make great talking points.
Rowbotham takes you and your younger reader on an exciting adventure beneath the waves into a magical kingdom waiting to be saved.
Remember if you ever find a golden pebble, leave it be. For you too may find yourself in Neptune's realm.
⭐⭐�. 5 stars
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