Old Hannibal and the Hurricane

Amoss, Berthe

ISBN 10: 1562820982 ISBN 13: 9781562820985

Publisher: Hyperion, 1991

Synopsis

On board the ship Sally Sue, Old Hannibal is describing for his friends the great hurricane he once endured, when they run into another one

About this title

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Two youngsters help Old Hannibal launch his rowboat, Sally Sue , as threatening clouds loom on the horizon. They ask if he was ever in a storm at sea and the seasoned sailor jumps at the opportunity to tell them about being caught in the midst of Bellowing Bertha, ``The biggest, blowingest, most blustering blast that ever blew!'' With humorous exaggeration, the adventure unfolds. The Sally Sue is thrown about until it occurs to Hannibal to attach wings and a sail and fly them to safety. With that fanciful tale told, the three turn the boat on its side with its back to the wind and wait out the storm. The old salt's tall tale starts off with a strong and pleasing lilting rhythm, but the verse ultimately is forced and the excessive use of alliteration weakens the telling. Whimsical black-line cartoons are filled in with bright watercolor washes. In some cases the watercolor has been applied to premoistened paper. This mixing and blending of colors creates energetic characterizations of sea, sky, and weather. --Alexandra Marris, Rochester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

Like most fishermen, Old Hannibal is fond of telling tall tales of perilous sea voyages; his recollection of riding out hurricane Bellowing Bertha is a whopper. One day Old Hannibal shares his story with young Sophie and Matt as he prepares to launch the Sally Sue despite some rough weather (a few storm clouds are nothing to an old salt and a sturdy ship). But when the sailor finally finishes holding forth, the wind has changed and it's time to postpone the excursion--"batten down the hatches, lassie, and toss out the anchor!" Amoss's rollicking text--especially a personified Bertha's rhyming threats--begs to be read aloud; her colorful maritime expressions sustain an air of high adventure. The illustrations often perform double duty by simultaneously depicting Old Hannibal's exploits on the beach, as seen by patrons of Ye Old Salt's Inne through a porthole window. Distinctive details such as fishing tackle, buoys and crustacean snacks provide an ambience sure to evoke longings for a seaside holiday. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Hyperion
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 1562820982
• ISBN 13: 9781562820985
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 1