Historical May 1986 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Little mariners can make their own tiny boats with Boats That Float, one of the few craft books for the very young child. Clear directions are given for eleven simple boats made out of easily available materials. Large pictures illustrate the steps involved in making boats that float, propel themselves, or sail In Duck Goes Fishing, for younger readers, Fox and Owl suspect that their peaceful fishing day may be ruined when they invite accident-prone Duck to come along. Prepared for every emergency, Duck stuffs their little boat to overflowing with suntan oil, an umbrella, a banjo, a camera, an inflatable raft, and an enormous lunch basket.
There is a happy ending, even though the oars disappear, the bottom of the boat is covered with worms, and everyone’s fur and feathers are unpleasantly stuck together with oil. Daniel Pinkwater is known for his farfetched adventures for middle grades. Jolly Roger, part Chinese Chow-Chow,’ part Alaskan Husky, was the son of the toughest dog in Fairbanks.
He became the pet of Texas Ted, the toughest sailor on the Matilda Magoo, so it is no surprise that he ended up the toughest dog on the docks of Hoboken, New Jersey.
In Jolly Roger, zany dialogue, improbable names, characters like Marvin the Ape, and unusual drawings bring another far-fetched adventure to life.
In No Safe Harbors, sixteen-year-old Amand a, daughter of the mayor of a small city on the Ohio River, believes that her family life is almost perfect. Capable, attractive, and confident, she is shaken by the arrival of an arrogant young man and by the news that her father has been indicted for taking a bribe. Amand a and her younger brother unwisely take a boat ride that almost ends in tragedy. Virginia Hamilton again mixes the heritage of black Americans with memorable characters and a compelling plot in Junius Over Far.
When Junius’ grandfather sends a peculiar letter about pirates and kidnapping from his Caribbean island home, Junius and his father fly there to investigate.
They discover not only a disoriented, sick and lonely old man, but racism and crime as well.
The text, laced with dialect and beautiful description makes both new and old island culture come alive.
This is an exciting story for older readers about an unusual teenager and his very special family.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, May 1986.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1986_05.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
