Reviews (16)

Not Just For Children
Although this book was meant for kids - everyone will certainly enjoy it! I bought it for my nephews this past Christmas. (11 and 9 years old) James Cameron's film had just come out. The boys hadn't seen it, but they were interested in the disaster. When I saw this book I knew they'd love it! I honestly thought about keeping it for myself! Beautiful illustrsations and a captivating story. You really get the feel of how immense this ship was to two very young boys. It may not be exactly accurate - but it was designed as a children's book and not as a practical schematic for engineers. If you have kids who are interested in the Titanic disaster ( or if you're a history buff) I highly recommend this one!

A great picture book full of detailed pictures of Titanic.
A really great book full of really detailed pictures. The story of a first class kid and a third class kid both abord the Titanic. Shows the time of things that happened. A really great book for kids of all ages.

Superb
This book is a superb piece of art. For whom have little or no idea about Titanic architecture, it's a must have. The big drawing in the center of the book is truely amazing. It's also an ideal companion to have when reading testimonies by survivors, for it adds much to the feeling of being there.

Inside The Titanic
Inside the Titanic Book Review

Frank's room is a tiny third-class cabin. Billy and his family are traveling in a luxurious suite. But both boys are thrilled to be on the first voyage of the greatest liner ever built. They can't wait to explore every deck of this fabulous new ship. Read this book and you can follow "two young passengers as they explore the Titanic from top to bottom". This book is by Ken Marshall. I liked it because it showed and told how it sank. So I hope you like Inside the Titanic...

Ken Marshall's work
As always, Ken Marshall's depictions of the liner are as true to life as he can make them, making this book an invaluable reference in my model bulding and serves as an excellent link to remind people that behind that steel skin was a huge floating place of temporary residence, containing all the opulence of the finest european hotels inside a giant steel structure. Definitely worth having in an ocean liner book collection, especially if you like Titanic and her sisters. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1965, 16-year-old Robin Lee Graham began a solo around-the-world voyage from San Pedro, California, in a 24-foot sloop. Five years and 33,000 miles later, he returned to home port with a wife and daughter and enough extraordinary experiences to fill this bestselling book, Dove.

Reviews (57)

A love story and lots of sailing
Years ago, when I was growing up, I read the account of Robin Lee Graham as the young man who sailed around the world alone, and also got married along the way, in three installments of the National Geographic, circa 1965-1970. These articles so affected me that I also wanted to sail around the world. However, as I read this book it soon became apparent to me that this book is also an account of a true life love story, between Robin and Patti, both with simple values and needs, in sharp contrast to most people who are primarily concerned with money and social status. They were deep in love and would, and did, do anything for each other.

Robin alone, and later with Patti, sailed to some of the most beautiful places on Earth, I think they must have enough memories for 20 lifetimes. The writing style makes you feel that you are right there with them.

The pictures included in this book are poor black and white, but as I remember, the National Geographic articles included excellent color photographs, it would do you well to find those issues.

As for me, I never did get to sail around the world, a little thing called life intervened, the grind and all that! I did take a sailing class through a local university in the summer of '77, even got an "A" in the class, but this pales in comparison to the daring sailing of Robin Graham. Sometimes, during trips to Florida I gaze at ocean-going yachts at wharfs, and yes, the dream is still alive, thanks to Dove

A sixteen year old boy's ocean voyage of discovery in life.
When I read this book back in the 70's, I was filled with sheer admiration for this young man. Here was a wonderful tale of a sixteen year old boy who set off around the World on a 23 foot sail boat. There was none of the hype that surrounds such ventures nowadays. Robin didn't seek publicity and sponsorship. He was a brave and honest young man who grew up on a venture the majority of us would never dream of taking, he had guts. The voyage had trememdous hardships and delightful romance. I have read and re read this book and still bring out my tattered copy when I need some inspitation. My three sons have all read it at some time or another and my parents were delighted to read about a young man who asked nothing of society for himself, but simply went out and "did his thing". Robin's voyage is an inspiration and the life he and Patty choce for themselves after the voyage was one of spirituality and hope. Thank you Robin. I would love to know what happened to them and where are they now?

A book can change your life
My mother gave me this book 2 months after starting sailing in a tiny boat age 11. I had no idea aboat ocean sailing and had never left the British Isles. Robin inspired me. From that moment on although I hadn't realised it I was following a different path. Now 15 years later I have left the office behind and work as a professional sailor on a tropical island.

Yes, Dove is written in a simple style, but that shouldn't detract from your reading pleasure. Robin paints wonderful pictures - you just let your imagination fill in the spaces.

Parents: I recommend passing this to your children, just be aware of what may happen!

Read at your own risk!
Robin Graham's account of his voyage
around the world in a small boat
is responsible for many a youngster
(and a few not-so-youngsters!)
chucking their jobs and sailing away to paradise.
The stuff of dreams, this voyage is narrated
by a courageous, insightful, and articulate sailor.
You won't be trading this book in
when you visit your local used book store!
It's a keeper.

Intangible Wealth Found at Journey's End
Lately I've been reading books about great sea adventures, some of which for the second or third time. Among them are Robin Lee Graham's Dove, the story of his journey around the world in a 24 foot sloop begun when he was only sixteen. Also, Joshua Slocum's classic adventure Sailing Alone Around the World. Just now I'm reading Apsley Cherry-Garard's The Worst Journey In the World, named by National Geographic last year as one of the greatest adventure stories ever written. I am drawn to this genre because of my work and travels in more than 80 countries and my journey around the world in 1999, most of the way as a lone passenger aboard a modern freighter. It is to Robin Lee Graham's credit that his book is now still in print for 31 years and that it is among the classics recommended in home schooling for young adults. In the last chapter of the book, still uncertain of his future, he writes that he and his young wife, Patti, begin to read the Bible together: "Our finding a belief in God - becoming Christians - was a slow thing.... We want to work out our lives in the way God intended us to. In reading the Bible together we were fascinated by the prophecies made two thousand years and more ago, prophecies which seemed to be coming true, like the Jews returning to their own country. We have no idea where these new thoughts and ideas and practices will take us.... But we are open to whatever direction God will give us. Our belief is simple. It is the belief that so many of our own generation are discovering - a belief that God isn't dead as some of the older generation have told us. In a world that seems to be going crazy we are learning that Jesus showed men the only way they should live - the way we were meant to live." Graham's voyage brought him immense intangible wealth -- a companion for life and the wisdom of discovering a Shepherd for all eternity. Highly recommended. ... ... Read more

Book Description

Scuffy, a red toy tugboat, believes he can sail further than the length of a bathtub.One day Scuffy decides to take a trip down a small stream, and suddenly he finds himself on an unexpected voyage of discovery!With wonderful illustrations by the famed Tibor Gergely, Scuffy the Tubgoat has been a story loved by generations. Now you can own this classic tale in this collectible hardcover edition, at a very affordable price. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Whenever I See a Tugboat, I think of Scuffy
Scuffy was one of my favroite books as a child. I loved to follow him through his adventures along the river. Of course in the end he always wanted to be home in his own little bath tub making me glad to be home with my family.

"If I had my way, I'd take a boat from the river..."
Animation studios are desperate to find proven material for their feature films--especially in the wake of disappointments like "Treasure Planet."

That's why I'm surprised nobody has optioned the rights to one of the greatest children's books ever; it has emotion, thrills, an important lesson, and one of the cutest lead characters I've ever seen.

That book is, of course, "Scuffy the Tugboat."

Scuffy is a toy tugboat (hence the title) who dreams of something more than "sailing" in his little bathtub. When he is taken outside and accidentally swept away in a river, his harrowing adventure makes him realize that he should never have taken his old life for granted.

Just imagine Scuffy the Tugboat brought to life by CGI, charging down rivers, dodging logs and old tires...and facing the bustle of a busy shipyard before being miraculously recovered by his owner.

I can practically hear a popular actor like Ed Burns lending his distinctive voice to the little red tugboat, and Sting's nautical motif from "the Soul Cages" leads me to nominate him for the soundtrack.

As long as it's a faithful adaptation of this classic tugboat tale, nobody would ever be able to say: "the book was better!"

A favorite
It's been years since I've read this, so I really don't remember it much. I just remember Scuffy. But I do remember that this was always one of my favorites. I read other reviews of people growing up in the 1950s and reading this. Well, this has been a favorite since 1982. Scuffy is still going strong.

THE SEA IS THE LIMIT
.

"Scuffy the Tugboat" is a classic in childrens literature. It has an almost iconic status with people who grew up in the early Baby Boomer years.

Way back in 1946, toy stores were quiet uncrowded places. In one toy shop there was a rocking horse, a GI Joe Doll and a few cuddly soft toys ........ and one grumpy red painted tugboat called Scuffy.

Scuffy was ambitious. He thought he was meant for bigger things, than just sailing in a bathtub.

The toy shop owner (with his memorable polka dot tie) and his little boy, took Scuffy off to a laughing brook. It was springtime and the brook was running fast. Scuffy was soon off on his adventure.

The pastoral world he passed through seemed placid, but at night the hooting owl gave him a fright.

The river got bigger and busier. Scuffy was proud because he knew it was HIS river. He was nearly squashed between two logs that were on their way to the sawmill. With the spring melt a great flood burst the rivers banks. A lady and her cow had to be rescued off her roof.

Pushed along by the floodwaters Scuffy arrived in the big city. It was a very noisy and busy place. When Scuffy tooted nobody noticed.

Scuffy was just about to be swept out to sea. He wished the man with the polka dot tie and his little boy could rescue him. Miracle of miracles, there they were just as Scuffy was about to pass the last bit off land. He was rescued.

Scuffy realises that sailing in the bathtub is not such a bad thing ...... in fact he said "this is the life for me".

The illustrations by Tibor Gergely are what make this book so appealing. The scenes are full of life and activity, be it the pastoral river scene with its friendly animals and the colourful towns and cities. Look for the details in the city scene. Try to find the horses.

Tibor Gergely was a great children's book illustrator from this period. In addition to his artwork in Scuffy you can enjoy his illustrations in those other "Little Golden Book" classics, "The Little Red Caboose" and "Tootle". These three books are perfect companions in any young person's library.

Scuffy is all about seeing the big world and returning homr.
In the early 1950's I was introduced to the wonders of the the world when my parents bought me "Scuffy". Who would have believed that a little red-painted tugboat could captivate me for nearly 50 years.

Scuffy, the brave and somewhat feisty little red- painted tugboat, tires of his existence of living in the toystore owned by the "man with the polka dot tie" and states that he was meant for "bigger things".

The bigger things leads Scuffy on an odyssey through quiet mountain brooks, singing streams, rushing rivers, floods and eventually the sea. On his journey, Scuffy meets cows, men in "great boots" pushing logs, victims of floods and the scariness of the big city. As Scuffy hurtles towards his ultimate destiny, the sea, he longs for the joy and comfort of the toy store and the love of the man with the polka dot tie. Just as Scuffy is about to pass the last piece of land, prior to entering the eternal sea, the man with the polka dot tie catches the frightened red- painted tugboat with the blue smokestack and returns him to the toystore and his new domain, the safe and calming waters of the bathtub.

A delightful work that will surely be requested night after night by children. It was my favourite and my daughter's favourite. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Beginnings and Endings.
This wonderful children's book explains the history of the ill-fated ship, from the beginning of its maiden voyage in England to the discovery of the boat at the bottom of the ocean depths by Dr. Robert Ballard. The illustrations are lively and vibrant, giving depth to the easy to understand, yet enchanting text. I have read several children's books about the Titanic and this one seems to have the best of everything.

Well Written and Educational
This fabulous children's book recounts with wonderful illustrations and simple language the tragic and familiar story of the Titanic. When the movie came out my children (then 5 and 8) were not allowed to watch it (why ask for nightmares? ). This book, carefully written with attention to detail, was sufficient to satisfy their need to know about this event in a manner that was sensitive, appropriate and accurate. There is even a picture in the first chapter that shows a cut-away style picture of how the ship was set-up: "Fancy rooms" on the top decks, swimming pool and squash courts at the bottom, and all kinds of rooms in between. Someday my children will be old enough to handle the feelings that the movie evokes, but until then, (since we live in Washington State) I want to be able to use a ferry once in a while! I'm very thankful for this well written, historical children's book!

I LOVE THIS BOOK!
When I was in the 3rd grade, this was my favorite book of all time. I literally must have read it 100 times. I can't believe that I found it on Amazon.com! I am so excited to read it again. I would recommend anyone to get this book- especially Titanic enthuiastes like me(this book made me one).

As good as it gets
Ever since the movie came out, my 2nd grade students have had a fascination with Titanic. You couldn't ask for a better book than this to describe the ship, the passengers and the human pride and frailties that led to the sinking. This book is well-written enough that it is easy for young minds to understand and complex enough to keep them entranced. Even adults will find it interesting and, between you and your kids, your copy will probably be read to shreds in no time!

I could not even breathe when I finished the book!
I was sad when the men died and it was not fair for the poor people when they tried to get saved. The Titanic couldn't get past the iceberg because there was a wall of icebergs. There was another ship nearby, but they didn't understand that the Titanic was sinking. I am eight years old. ... Read more

Book Description

Discover the fascinating history of submarines and submersibles, from the first workable designs of the 16th century to Cold War vessels armed with nuclear missiles. This guide, created in association with the U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum, illustrates the technology used to build and navigate submarines and the many ways they are used today. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Young people need modern heroes - Robert Ballard is real.
Robert Ballard is one of the few genuine adventurer - hero models available to young people of the 21st Century. He is is incapable of being boring. He's somehow interesting even when he's talking about a can of paint. He has manifold unquestioned achievements, both scientific and spectacular in the public eye. His flair for photography and for commissioning or selecting exciting paintings of underwater scenes is unparalleled. His feeling for developing memorable themes, in this case lost ships, is gripping for both adults who allow their imaginations to seized by large events effectively told, as well as children.

At times one hears unjustified carping from scientists at Ballard's role as a popularizer. At others, not unreasonable arguments are raised that some of his books don't offer enough credit to others. I have known Ballard from the time of his PhD dissertation at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and onwards. I prefer to interpret Ballard's telling of major stories with simplifications as part of his ability to reach and affect large audiences, including young people who have become one of his major targets and goals in later life. Kids simply don't have the life experience and maturity to weigh all nuances of complex phenomena like scientific and exploration discovery.

Ballard has made extraordinary efforts with his Jason outreach programs to enliven science education for school children, facilitating realtime "exploration" opportunities to hundreds of thousands of young people. Ballard has a sense of personal ethics (refreshing in a "me" generation), being reluctant, for example, to allow souvenirs to be retrieved from the Titanic and other wrecks. Even though one can argue scientific and other value for such retrieval, I attribute to him sense of purpose and principle along with other unusual qualities as a person and author.

A look at lost liners you never even knew about
I accidentally ordered this children's book from my son's school book fair, but I really love it. I wanted the book Lost Liners also by Bob Ballard. The paintings in Ghost Liners are wonderful and the narrative is interesting and also sad at times. I didn't even know about many of the other sea disasters. My son did read the book, but I'm the one who enjoyed it the most. The haunting illustrations are, themselves, worth the price of the book.

Pretty Good Little Book
This was a pretty good little book for the money. However, it was largely a slimmed-down version of Lost Liners, which I highly recommend. Some new pictures were featured, but much of it was rehash.

Great pictures and text
Awesome pictures! Ken Marschall did a wonderful job with the illustrations, and the photographs were nice, too. The text explained clealy what had happened to each ship, and the controversy about some of them. I really learned something from this book.

EXCELLENT!!!!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes studing TITANIC, ANDREA DORIA, LUSITANIA, THE EMPRESS OF IRELAND, OR MY PERSONAL FAVORITE, BRITTANIC. I have studyed these ships most of my life and have found this is the book the best. Dr. Ballard gives a hands on look at these ships with actual photos and paintings by the well know artist, Ken Marshall. If you are in to TITANIC and have read this book, I would recomend that you purchace TITANIC: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY by Don Lynch for the most complete info and photos ... Read more

Book Description

Leaving port from Superior, Wisconsin on a sunny November day, the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald is looking forward to a routine crossing of deep Lake Superior.Heading for a port in Cleveland, the giant transport ship is loaded with ore that will be used to build cars.But disaster is building in the wind as a gale storm begins to track after the great ship.This suspenseful retelling of the last hours of the doomed vessel pays homage to all sailors who traverse deep waters, in fair skies and foul.Atmospheric paintings from award-winning artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen bring the story to life. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Retelling the doomed voyage of a ship
Knowledgeably written by Kathy-Jo Wargin and expertly illustrated by Gisjbert Van Frankenhuyzen, The Edmund Fitzgerald: The Song Of The Bell is the suspenseful picture book retelling of the doomed voyage of a ship and the tragic end for the 29 men aboard it. Told with compassion and historical accuracy, this true story concludes with the retrieval of the ship's bell from the ocean depths and the placing of it in the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point, Michigan, so that the loved ones of those who died with the sinking of that great ship could have a place to go and remember their cherished memories of those who were lost. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the inspiring true story of the John J. Harvey-a retired New York City fireboat reinstated on September 11, 2001. Originally launched in 1931, the Harvey was the most powerful fireboat of her time. After the September 11 attacks, with fire hydrants at Ground Zero inoperable and the Hudson River's water supply critical to fighting the blaze, the fire department called on the Harvey for help. There were adjustments-forcing water into hoses by jamming soda bottles and wood into nozzles with a sledgehammer-and then the fireboat's volunteer crew pumped much-needed water to the disaster site. The John J. Harvey proved she was still one of New York's Bravest!

Maira Kalman brings a New York City icon to life, celebrating the energy, vitality and hope of a place and its people. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Terrific Book - No Excuses!
I guess I'm somewhat taken aback by some of the reviewers who apparently read the book to their children, or got partway through it, without having looked it over themselves first. Sorry, that's just irresponsible. The book is a fabulous treatment of a terrible subject that your children ARE aware of, and this helps explain how ordinary people became heroes that awful day.

My 6-year old first fell in love with this book when he was 4, and he knows enough about 9/11 to know it was a horrible event. His dad (me) was next door to the WTC that morning, so he and his brother lived through waiting to hear from me with his mom.

The book is sensitive and touching. It's a great book and I highly recommend it. If you think your child might have a problem with ANY book, you should always read it yourself first.

Surprised, but pleased
I picked this book up at the library without looking through it. I intended it for my 3 year old son. I was as surprised as another reviewer that it was about September 11th. However, once I realized it, I read it privately and showed it to my husband. He and I both agreed that it was a beautiful book that dealt with a enormous, important event sensitively. I decided to buy it for our own collection. The illustrations are very colorful, and the text simple. My son loves the book. Clearly, he doesn't understand the whole story. But I remember holding my son tightly on that day and think this story memorializes the day and the heroes of the John. J. Harvey well. I recommend it.

Can't read this without sobbing
A beautiful book about how the tradgedy of 9/11 brought out the best in New Yorkers. Of course we want to shelter our young children from awful events like this, but if they are elementary school age, they will hear about 9/11. Better to discuss it with them in a sensitive way. I have read this to my 6 year old about 5 times. I sob every time. Guess I'm teaching empathy.

This book is highly recommended
This book is highly recommended for all to read, especially for young children. 9/11 happened, and while it might be all well and good to shelter your children from the events of that day, there are 10,000 children without a mom or dad that cannot be. So, be a responsible adult and screen everything but, do not lose an opportunity to educate your children no matter what their age. And, teach them about giving back to others, not about the terrors involved. You'd be surprised.

Wonderful!
This book handles the events of 9/11 in a wonderful way. The pictures are very tasteful. After seeing all the horrific images on the tv, the children will not be frighten by these pictures. This is a very well written book. Parents should always read a book before reading it to their child. Although I can't imagine why this book would be offensive. ... Read more

Book Description

Fishing boats and ferryboats.
Sailboats and tugs.
Boats on the water.
Come aboard.

Reviews (7)

We love this book!!
I purchased this book in early June when my son, who was 16 months was just learning about boats. Having a difficult time finding age appropriate boat books for him, I decided on this one and haven't been disappointed. The pictures and drawings are very basic but we always seem to find lots of things to talk about. He loves this book and has created his own mannerisms for each page and picture. The size of the book is small like other board books and is perfect for little hands to hold and turn the pages. We have read this book some many times the binding is broken and the pages are getting worn. He refers to it as the boat book and just can't seem to get enough of it. I would highly recommend it for any child , you won't be disappointed. We are looking forward to trying some of his other books after the success we had with this one.

My Son's First Favorite
I started reading "Boats" to my son when he was just a few months old. He is now 11 months, and since he was 8-9 months, he has grabbed "Boats" preferentially each night. Even when he is in a bad mood, the bold colors and simple shapes make him light up with a big grin! The variety of boats introduced, the simple illustrations and the multiethnic nature of the stick figures make this book a great find. I believe this will be a favorite for a long time.

All aboard Barton's "Boats"
"Boats," by Byron Barton, is a good book for beginning readers. Like others by this author, the book combines simple text with illustrations in Barton's trademark style: bright, solid colors and simplified, almost iconic figures.

Barton depicts a rowboat, sailboat, fire department boat, ferry, cruise ship, and other vessels. The boats are actually shown in action. A nice touch is that the passengers and crew are people of different colors and ethnic appearances. Sample text: "There goes a fishing boat out to sea." A colorful and educational book.

Bright colors and big pictures
I suggest Amazon.com to reconsider their age rating for this book. Toddler to 3 years might be more approriate. This being said however, my toddler boy loves this book. He goes wild over the bright colors and big bright pictures. The great thing is that the book introduces one new boat per page while keeping the previous boat displayed in the background. This way the child is able to see what happens to the other boat while being introduced to a new one. The Text is easy and plain "here comes a rowing boat" style, leaving plenty of room to create ones own stories.
I recommend this book for small children.

An excellent introduction!
We bought this book for our 18-month old prior to taking him on a cruise. By the time we got to the port, he was familiar with tugboats, lighthouses, motorboats and the process of boarding a ship and saying "bon voyage." He carried it everywhere with him onboard, and proudly showed it to other passengers. We believe that it helped prepare him for the weeklong adventure! ... Read more

Book Description

This visual dictionary looks at the inner workings of boats,ships, sails and rigging, navigation instruments, signals, ropes,knots, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

EXCELLENT BOOK!
Wonderful illustrations! Names everything! Perfect addition to Master and Commander fans!

Would be 5 stars, but...
I only wish it was longer. As it is the 64 pages is packed with info, but I still held back my rating to 4 stars.

This is a great book for the kids. DK always seems to do a nice job of presenting a lot of information in a fun way, and this book is no exception. It covers historical information on the different types of ships from the "first boats" to "ships of the line" of the 18th and 19th century. Also the "anatomy" of a ship, how a wooden and iron ship is built, etc. One thing I really enjoyed about this book is that it explains the basic concepts of navigation, piloting, and nautical charts. My family has a long history of sailing, and I really treasure this book as a fun way to introduce my children to learning more about the history and craft of sailing. ... Read more

Book Description

During the Civil War, Union forces blockade the port of Charleston so the Confederate army seeks a way to attrack the Yankee Ships.George Dixon is part of the group of men given the task of creating and building the "fish boat," a submarine.The H.L. Hunley ultimately sets out on its mission to sink Yankee ships, but fails to return, its whereabouts unknown.For more than 100 years, the mystery of the Hunley and fate of its crew stayed buried.The Story of the H.L. Hunley and Queenie's Coin recounts the story of the "fish boat," through its creation and mission, to its ultimate recovery and final voyage home. ... Read more

Book Description

When big ships get to the harbor, they need me! 'Cause I'm MIGHTY! And I can nudge, bump, butt, shove, ram, push, and pull 'em in.

You think this tug's too small to pull in ships twenty times his size? Think again! This guy is 100% MIGHTY!

Kate and Jim McMullan's follow-up to the multi-award-winning I Stink! is a raucous tribute to a tireless harbor hero.

Reviews (2)

An outstanding book . . .
. . . that suffers only in comparison to its predecessor, I Stink (about a garbage truck). Buy that one first, then try this one, which is rich in illustration and story line but not as engaging or complex in attitude as I Stink.

Another Smash Hit!!!
If you loved I STINK! (and who didn't?) you love the McMullans' raucous follow-up. This time it's a tug with attitude that leads the charge and shows that even if your tiny you can be MIGHTY!!!

Another hit-- I can't wait to see what the McMullans come up with next! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Time travel at its best
Loved the book!The imagery is incredible and the text is captivating.My kids joined in the refrain STE-E-E-E-EAMBOAT A'Comin after its first appearance, and kept repeating it long after we put the book down.They loved the dog, too.My husband, who is not big on picture books, read through it once quickly, then picked it up again after the kids were in bed so he could take his time enjoying it. I believe our deck is destined to become a steamboat this summer. ... Read more

Book Description

At last, a board book edition of this beloved preschool story.

One sunny day Mr. Gumpy decides to take a ride in his small boat. It's a perfect idea for a lovely summer day, and soon he is joined by children, a rabbit, a cat, a pig, and a host of other friends. But when the goat kicks, the chickens flap, the dog teases the cat and the children squabble -- the boat tips into the water and everyone tumbles out. No one minds getting wet on such a nice day, though, especially since Mr. Gumpy invites everyone to his house for tea.

A colorful new design and sturdy board book format bring this beloved classic to a whole new audience of children.
... Read more

Reviews (4)

Pip pip!
This book falls firmly into a very specific genre of picture book literature. The old, if-one-more-person-gets-into-this-boat/mitten/car/etc.-bad-things-will-happen genre. Jan Brett's "The Mitten" does it. The more recent "One Dog Canoe" does it. But one of the first stories to have done it (and have a moral to boot) is the 1970 story "Mr. Gumpy's Outing".

Mr. Gumpy (who is not grumpy in the least) lives on the banks of a river, and owns a boat. As he goes for a boat ride, two children ask to come along. Mr. Gumpy gives them instructions on what not to do, and they join him. Next a bunny comes along. Mr. Gumpy tells it what not to do, and it joins him. As Mr. Gumpy poles his boat down the river, more and more animals join the party, each receiving a stipulation from Mr. Gumpy on what behavior is appropriate. After the boat fills, the animals suddenly ignore Mr. Gumpy's requests and begin to misbehave. As a result, they all topple headlong into the river, retiring to Gumpy's for tea.

Originally published in England (and if Mr. Gumpy isn't THE most English picture book gentleman you've seen outside of Paddington Bear himself, I'll eat my hat) the story is incredibly civilized. There's nothing like seeing a sheep delicately sipping from a straw to drill home the essential manners and protocols essential to everyday interactions. The illustrations are especially nice. Mr. Gumpy never looks particularly upset or angry by anything that happens to him. As he poles his boat a black and white pen and ink drawing on the left pages shows the boat and it's inhabitants. On the right page is a colorful drawing of the animal(s) asking to be allowed to join. The book, despite the whole falling into the water bit, is calm and peaceful. Just the kind of fun story you'd expect to be read on a cold rainy day. Highly recommended (especially with crumpets and bit of toast with marmalade).

My son's favorite is "everything."
This is a thoroughly delightful book. The simple story engages small children, and the illustrations are first-rate. I have read this book countless times to my two pre-schoolers, and have enjoyed the experience very much. This book is an excellent way to get children interested in books. Finally, I recommend the hardback over the paperback because of the higher quality of the illustrations in the hardback.

A Fine Book About a Fine Day
One fine day, Mr. Gumpy goes punting. One by one, he takes on various passengers who PROMISE to behave, BUT... It is easy to forsee the outcome when a girl, a boy, a cat, a dog, a pig, a sheep, chickens, and assorted others all climb aboard. Told in lilting, repetitive passages that small children often adore, all ends as happily as one can expect on such a balmy afternoon, and with such an amiable host as is Mr. Gumpy. It comes as no surprise that MR GUMPY`S OUTING is a recipient of the Kate Greenaway medal, with the way John Burmingham`s illustrations pleasantly evoke the gentleness of the lazy summer`s day.

Toddlers love the sequencing and the pictures
As the mother of nine children I can assure you that Mr. Gumpy's Outing has prize winning appeal. It was often the first book our children asked for by name. Toddlers love the sequencing of the animals entering the boat. The illustrations are equally fascinating to them. I remember one of my little ones asking me in their tiny voice, "What does squabble mean, Mommy?" Even some early lessons on behavior can be gleaned from this timeless toddler favorite. It should be well worn and resting on every child's bookshelf. ... Read more

Book Description

New Look! Relaunched with new jackets and 8 pages of new text!

Here is a spectacular and informative guide to the dangerous and adventurous life of piracy, privateering, and buccaneering. Superb, full color photographs of weapons, ships, flags, maps, and treasure offer a unique and revealing "eyewitness" view of pirate life on the high seas.See a pirate's cutlass and pistols, a letter of marquee - the pirate's license, a hoard of pirate treasure, a real pirate costume and the many different kinds of Jolly Roger. Learn how pirates attacked a Spanish treasure ship, why European kings and queens encouraged piracy, which Caribbean islands were pirate hideouts, what pirate ate at sea and why women pirates disguised themselves as men. Discover what kinds of ship the pirates sailed in, how governments tried to stamp out piracy and why skillful navigation was so important to pirates, and much, much more! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Shiver me timbers, this book be scurvylicious!!
DK eyewitness books are some of the greatest non-fiction books around. The distinctive white background and high-quality photography gives this book an edge over any other pirate picture book. And -- these pictures are real! They're beautiful photos of historically piratey things, accompanied by informative captions and text.

Learn about Anne Bonny, a fearsome female pirate, peruse the pictures of pirate treasure, from Spanish doubloons to richly ornamented crosses. Compare the different pirate flags, and learn about who made each one. Check out the different types of ships, authentic pirate clothes and weapons, and a storehouse of other REAL pirate information.

If you know someone (young or old) who is fascinated by all things pirate, then you must introduce them to this book! It's a visual crash course in pirateness, and it's excellent!

So much stuff!
This book gives lots of fascinating information about the weapons and tactics pirates used. The information is divided into small fact capsules with illustrations, which keeps it from ever being boring or overwhelming. And there's so much on a page that the book's worth re-reading several times, in case of something missed or forgotten. A gotta-have for the piratically-minded!

Good book
This is a very good book with lots of facts about anything that has to do with piracy. If you are inturested in pirates, get it. It is well worth the money.

Review of "Pirate"
While this series is generally aimed at readers of a younger age, these magnificently illustrated books are fascinating for adults as well. "Pirate" is no exception. It is a gloriously readable book with profuse illustrations covering the history of piracy from ancient Greece to the 1800's. Dozens of captioned pictures and paragraphs of text make this a great book for browsing through when you just don't feel like serious reading. The book itself is nothing like a children's book. They could market this as an adult book without changing a thing ... Read more

Book Description

Sail boats, row boats, ferry boats and speedboats: find them all and discover how they work in this fun-filled picture book. Then take a cruise on an ocean liner, crewed by our favorite animal characters, in a jolly rhyming journey. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

I have always loved this book
I have been a Titanic Lover for life. I first read this book when I was 6 (I am 14 now) it is a great book if you are looking to start studying the Titanic or if you just want to know the more basic facts about her and her finding. But if you are really deep into the studies of her already then I would get "The Discovery of the Titanic". but there are many, many other great books on her (I should know I have enough to start my own Titanic bookstore ;). For the beginning Titanic studier this is the best book you can buy.

Fabulous for children and their parents!
This book is a great summary of the sinking and discovery of the Titanic. My 6 year old loved it as did his parents! I recommend this book highly.

A fabulous read
I first read this book almost 15 years ago, at age 5 : I loved it, and read it uncountable times. Today it is still just as fascinating. Beautifully illustrated and clearly written, it was the first of many Ballard books that I read. I would also recommend the Discovery of the Bismark and The Wreck of the Isis, just as interesting but less well known. A great way to start reading about the great ships of the past.

Read about the Hole thing from the Beginning
Goes behind the Titanic. Why did the Titanic sank, why it was built, how they came up with the name Titanic etc. It has everything you need to know about the Titanic. Even has real actual pictures taken of the Titanic in the water and above.

I Was Obsessed with TITANIC, and It's This Book's Fault!!!
This book is so interesting and exciting to read that after I read it, I was obsessed with the Titanic from 1997-1999. This book is a great read if you like the Titanic. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

There are big boats, small boats, old boats, and new boats--all kinds of boats. The youngest of readers will enjoy this fun, rhyming Early Step into Reading book filled with boats.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

Lovely, albeit dated, book
I love the whole Swallows and Amazons series, but somehow I read Missee Lee only once -- perhaps it got lost from the library or something. So I had the pleasure of rediscovering it a few years ago when my kids were the right age for it. It's a wonderful "reading aloud" book (as are "We didn't mean to go to sea" and "Great Northern"), with a strong female character -- unusual in children's books from 65 years ago! -- and terrific storytelling and pacing.

(Some of) the Chinese in this book come off as crafty, selfish, barbaric, etc. That's quite intentional -- their characters are supposed to be crafty, selfish, or barbaric. Because we see them only through the eyes of the English, they tend to be a bit one-dimensional as well. Probably some people out there is saying that this book is politically incorrect; if so, I urge them to tell their children not to read it. (The children will, of course, promptly read it!)

In the meantime, enjoy this with your family.

Twenty-two gong tale belong velly well all ages bimeby
Subtitled "Swallows and Amazons in the South China Seas", this tenth volume in Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons series is actually a sequel to the second, "Peter Duck". Those readers familiar with the background to the earlier volume will not be surprised to learn that the emphasis within this book is on rather wild and exotic high-seas adventuring for a group of six English school children, together with their middle-aged uncle, a parrot and a mischievous monkey, aboard their schooner, Wild Cat.

This time around, the crew of the Wild Cat (without Peter Duck) again find themselves face to face with pirates, although under somewhat different circumstances and of a rather different kind from those in their earlier adventure. They also face a fate that English schoolchildren probably once considered worse than death - a life of perpetual Latin lessons!

Anyone coming to this book without the benefit of at least the first three volumes of the series ("Swallows and Amazons", "Peter Duck" and "Swallowdale") may struggle a little with just who people are and why things are the way they are, so I don't recommend diving straight into the series here! If you've read the first three books, though, there is absolutely no need to leave this one until its place in the published sequence, as it does not tie into any of the intervening volumes. Anyone familiar with the earlier books will know exactly what to expect here; nor will they be disappointed. Whilst aimed at children, the book remains a delightful read whatever one's age.

A must have for the series collector
If you collect the Swallows and Amazons series, you simply must have this book in your collection. If, on the other hand, you are just someone looking for a good book, well...this is a GREAT book. It is a classic that both children and adults will love and enjoy many times over.
Arthur Ransome is one of the greatest authors ever to live, and his books reflect that fact. ... Read more