Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this book focuses on daily life on a Lightboat where sailors are portrayed as simply dedicated to their job of keeping other boats safe.
Families can talk about what it's like to live on the ocean. What would it be like not to see land for a long, long time? Would it be lonely? Would the sailors ever get on each other's nerves living in such close quarters? Parents and kids could even build a pretend ship and imagine being sailors themselves.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Dawn Friedman
Parents whose kids love planes and trains and things that go will welcome this excellent factual picture book. Kids will especially love the tiny details about daily life. From the wave-warped hallways to the claustrophobic living quarters, the book manages to accurately convey how these dedicated sailors at sea for months at a time experienced their jobs without ever being boring.
The prose is simple, clear, and understated, supported by detailed illustrations that let kids peek at details on the boat including its machinery, the wheel, and even their laundry hung out to dry on deck. A dramatic picture of the tiny, shining boat warning an awesome ocean liner is sure to give kids a satisfactory thrill.
From The Book
She does not sail from port to port.
She does not carry passengers
or mail or packages.
She holds to one sure spot
as other ships sail by.
She waits.
Plot Summary:
Life on a floating light house is conveyed effectively and simply.
Related Books:
More Boat Books:
On the Waters of the USA by Martin W. Sandler
The Great Ships by Patrick O'Brien
The Story of Ships by Jane Bingham
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham (a chapter book for older kids)
Related Web Sites:
Author's site includes coloring pages and instructions on building your own lightship!
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Sexual Content |
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Violence |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorThe sailors demonstrate unqualified commitment to their jobs. |
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Commercialism |
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Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
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