Sammy the Sailor and the Secret Shortcut

A shortcut through the jungle. A ship that can’t stop. A sailor with a heart full of wonder.



Set along the legendary Panama Canal, Sammy and the Secret Shortcut invites young readers on a rhythmic, high-stakes adventure where curiosity leads to courage—and an unforgettable discovery.



Meet Sammy the Sailor, a wide-eyed explorer with an unstoppable imagination. Inspired by the real-life journeys of author Samuel M. Riley—a former cruise ship Learning & Development Manager who has sailed over 285,000 nautical miles—this debut story blends firsthand experience with wonder-filled storytelling.



What’s Inside:

• A fun, fast-paced rhyming tale ideal for ages 4–8

• Rich, painterly illustrations that spark curiosity and conversation

• Gentle themes of geography, courage, and listening to your inner compass

• A lovable lead character kids will want to follow from port to port



Perfect for: bedtime reading, classroom libraries, travel units, and any child with a spirit for adventure. This story helps young readers imagine a world of possibilities—one shortcut at a time.



Includes Educational Content

At the end of the book, readers will discover fun facts about the Panama Canal, helping them connect Sammy’s journey to real-world geography and history. Perfect for classrooms, homeschooling, and curious young minds.



Hidden Symbol Bonus:

A few characters in Sammy and the Secret Shortcut were intentionally illustrated with four fingers instead of five—a subtle tribute to the author’s two real-life crossings through the Panama Canal (once from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and once back again).

Two crossings for the author. Two for Sammy. Four fingers.

This quiet detail is a hidden sailor’s symbol, much like the Easter eggs found in classic animation—just waiting for observant readers to discover.



Bonus Content Online:

• Track Sammy’s ship live at samuelrileystories.com

• The first title in the Sammy the Sailor series, bringing real-world travel to life through story