A peek inside the latest Elastic Island Adventures: Rarotonga

Chapter Two: Arriving at Muri Beach

‘At all costs, we must avoid the coral reef!’ shouted Mr Jollybowler over the rush of wind and salty sea spray. ‘Hold on, everyone!’

They were coming in high and at speed. Emma and Blong the Cat held on to their palm tree for dear life as Elastic Island hurtled over the coral reef and into a picturesque lagoon with clear blue water, four small idyllic islands and a sandy beach opposite. What wasn’t picturesque was the faces of everyone on the beach as they saw Elastic Island hurtling towards them at great speed. Holidaymakers ran in all directions. Blong let out a pitiful meow as sun loungers were abandoned and customers in the Barefoot Bar looked up from their cocktail drinks in astonishment. Shaking and shuddering, Elastic Island crash-landed on Muri Beach, a wave of water washing over everyone nearby, only

Blong remaining dry in his practical red raincoat.

‘Worst landing ever!’ said Ethan crossly, letting go of his tree and taking off his glasses to wipe away the water.

The others let go of their trees as well. Emma clutched the jewel pendant she always wore, which made her feel calm, while comforting Blong, who was shaking with fright. Kiri took off her flower crown, which had miraculously survived the crash-landing, and began to wring out her long hair, while Heathcliff the Dog shook himself vigorously.