The Call Of The Osprey - Hardcover

Jorgensen, Norman

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1920731857 ISBN 13: 9781920731854

Publisher: Fremantle Arts Center Pr, 2004

Synopsis

The Call of the Osprey is a new book by the Childrens Book Council prize-winning duo, Norman Jorgensen and Brian Harrison-Lever. This time they have used their considerable talents to tell the story of an old retired sea captain who rescues an abandoned paddle steamer and rebuilds it with the help of a young boy, Tom. Over several years the Captain and Tom work together to restore the boat to its former glory, and as the boat is gradually rebuilt, so their relationship deepens. Finally, when the boat is ready to be re-launched, the Captain, realizing his life is coming to an end, hands over the reins to Tom who, now a young man, is ready to accept the responsibility of captain. Beautifully illustrated with the exquisite watercolor paintings of Brian Harrison-Lever, this book is a timeless story of love and friendship that will be passed down from generation to generation. Shortlisted for the 2004 Western Australia Premiers Books Awards

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 3 - As a long-neglected steamboat is sized up for repair by a retired sea captain, an eager young boy happens into the boat shed, looking to work and learn all he can. Together they restore the vessel and build a friendship. The Captain teaches young Tom about boats and seamanship, filling days and then years together with hard work, lovingly done, and sea tales. When it is finally ready to launch, the Captain is ready to die and chooses to give the boat to Tom, thus beginning his career as a boat captain. This simple story, seemingly set in the late 19th century, is filled with details that aspiring seamen are sure to enjoy. Some pages have little or no text, but the story is carried along by Harrison-Lever's beautiful watercolors. The paintings seem drenched in water and light, using a variety of colors and textures. Jacqueline Briggs Martin's On Sand Island (Houghton, 2003), a story of a boy who learns to build his own boat from the men in his community in the middle of Lake Superior, provides more richness, a better sense of place and time. Call of the Osprey is a good general purchase, sure to be appreciated by children living in waterfront communities or those who dream of a life on the water. - Mary Hazelton, Warren Community School and Miller Elementary School, ME
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About this edition

• Publisher: Fremantle Arts Center Pr
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1920731857
• ISBN 13: 9781920731854
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32