Secrets at Sea
Secrets at Sea is a 2011 children's novel written by Newbery medalist Richard Peck and illustrated by award-winning artist Kelly Murphy. It is a tale of a family of mice stowaways on an adventurous ship's journey, set in the late 19th century.
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| Author | Richard Peck | 
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Kelly Murphy | 
| Country | United States | 
| Language | English | 
| Genre | Children's | 
| Publisher | Dial | 
Publication date  | 2011 | 
| Media type | |
| Pages | 256 | 
| ISBN | 0-1424-2183-9 | 
| Followed by | The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail | 
Plot
    
The Story of the four mice and their journey on a ship.
Chapters:
Chapter 1 – Great Change
Chapter 2 – Skitter and Jitter
Chapter 3 – The Haystack
Chapter 4 – When Night and Darkness Fell
Chapter 5 – Two Futures
Chapter 6 – A World of Steam and Humans
Chapter 7 – Dinner is Served
Chapter 8 – The Law of the Sea
Chapter 9 – A Royal Command
Chapter 10 – Camilla's Train
Chapter 11 – Sebastian's Secret Sweet Shop
Chapter 12 – Secrets the Dark Night Keeps
Chapter 13 – Dynasty and Destiny
Chapter 14 – Waltz Time
Chapter 15 – A Fond Toodle-oo
Chapter 16 – A Palace Wedding
Characters
    
- Helena – The protagonist character, is the oldest mouse.
 - Louise
 - Beatrice
 - Lamont
 - Camilla
 - Olive
 - Duchess of Cheddar Gorge
 - Nigel
 - Mrs. Flora
 - Mr. Floyd
 - Lord Sebastian Sandown
 - Mr. and Mrs. Cranston
 - Mother and Father
 - Katinka Van Tassel Dutch
 - Vicky
 - Alice
 - Mrs. Flint
 - Mona
 - Mrs. Minture
 - Gideon McSorley
 - Barn
 - Aunt Fannie Fanimore
 - Elena
 - Cecil
 - Queen Victoria
 - Lord Peter
 - Lady Augusta Drear
 - Nanny Pratt
 - Little Lord Sandown
 - The Mouse Queen
 
Reception
    
Secrets at Sea has received widespread acclaim and was featured on best books of the year lists by the New York Times,[1] Kirkus Reviews[2] and People Magazine.[3] Additionally, the artwork for Secrets at Sea received Gold Medals[4] from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, as well as distinction from the Society of Illustrators in New York.[5]
Awards
    
    Best of lists
    
2011 Notable Children's Books, The New York Times[6]
2011 Best Books for Children, Kirkus Reviews
2011 Ten Best Books for Children, People Magazine
Starred reviews
    
2011 Starred Review, Publishers Weekly[7]
2011 Starred Review, The Horn Book[8]
2011 Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews[9]
Illustration competitions
    
2012 Original Art Show, Society of Illustrators
2013 Gold Medal (Children's Market Category), Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles
References
    
- New York Times review of Secrets at Sea
 - Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books Of 2011
 - Picks for Kids: People Magazine's Ten Best Books for Children in 2011
 - The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles 51st Annual Illustration Exhibition Gold Award Children's Market Category
 - The Society of Illustrators Original Art 2012 Featured Artists
 - New York Times Notable Children’s Books of 2011
 - Secrets At Sea Starred Review on Publishers Weekly
 - Secrets At Sea a Starred Book on The Horn Book
 - Starred review on Kirkus
 
