When they arrive on Seacrow Island the Melkerson family have doubts about their choice of summer vacation, their little cottage is rundown, and it's pouring with rain, but it's not long before they're won over by the fun, adventure, and friendships that the island has to offer.

The day the Melkerson family arrive on Seacrow Island, it's a bit of a shock to their system.

It's so quiet there-none of the shops and bustle they're used to. And the cottage they've rented for the summer is a little bit well ... basic.

But what Seacrow Island does have is woods to wander in, fish to catch, boats to sail in, and all kinds of animals. And before long they find it has even more important things, too-adventure, fun, exploration, friends. Perhaps it's going to be leaving that's the really hard thing?

This is without a doubt my favourite book by Astrid Lindgren.