Buoy: Home at Sea - Hardcover

Balan, Bruce

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0385325398 ISBN 13: 9780385325394

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 1998

Synopsis

Meet Buoy and his friends at sea in this enchanting new picture book that will delight readers of all ages:

Buoy lives in the middle of the sea, far from land and people. Some might think that Buoy would be lonely, but for him, the sea is home. His friend Gull is usually there, sitting atop Buoy's red light. Seal can often be found sunning herself on Buoy's base. The ocean world of these three friends is constantly changing, and always astonishing. They share the sounds of whale song, survive storms together, and watch shooting stars in the night sky.

Inspiring and poetic, Buoy's tales convey the joys, the challenges, and the wonders of life. Full of drama and humor as well as reflection, and concluding on a wave of celebration, Buoy will fill readers with wonder and enlightenment.

About this title

Review

If you've ever gazed dreamily out to sea, spotted a lone buoy bobbing and blinking, and let your imagination float along with it, you'll find a friend in Bruce Balan's Buoy. It's not such a lonely life for Buoy--after all, Gull is usually perched atop his red light, and Seal lounges at his "feet." These three friends live a rewarding life under the Sky and Stars--enriched by visits from Shark, a raft of Crabs floating on an old egg carton, and even a singing pod of Whales: "Porpoise said [the Whales' song] told of the first day of the Sea. And how the first Whale swam on that first day. And how the first Whale sang. And how the song created itself and everything else as well. There was much more, but it was too ancient for any of them ever to grasp."

Buoys will be buoys--he lives for a "Ship-Coming." When a ship does come, he flashes his light and proudly rings his bell, whispering, "Stay to the west" to shield the ship from danger. Buoy also saves a family adrift during a storm, makes music with his friends, analyzes the Green Flash that occurs just before sunset, plays games with the Clouds, and engages in debates with his Sea-dwelling friends. In gentle, winsome prose, Balan spins a simple story of an ocean life, embedding his quiet philosophy of the interconnectedness of all things, the importance of friendship, the fragile ecology of our planet, and the deep mysticism of being--messages that have inspired some to compare this small book to The Little Prince and Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Raúl Colón, illustrator of Tomás and the Library Lady and A Weave of Words graces Balan's poetic text with his radiant, textured scratchboard illustrations that capture the exuberant, uplifting--can we say buoyant?--spirit of Buoy and his buddies. (All ages) --Karin Snelson

From the Publisher

This captivating new title will resonate with children and adults alike. Buoy is a tale filled with respect for the earth and the elements, and tells a beautiful story of friendship and love.

". . . this handsome package makes a dandy gift for those who, like Buoy, feel at home near the sea."
--Publishers Weekly

A portion of the author's proceeds will be donated to American Oceans Campaign.

About this edition

• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0385325398
• ISBN 13: 9780385325394
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 80
• Illustrator: Colon Raul