Tugboats in Action

A tugboat captain explains some of the jobs done by his boat and others on the river

Grade 1-4-From his vantage point as captain of a Great Lakes tug, Burke takes readers through a job as he and his crew pick up an enormous grain-carrying ship and guide her around the tricky bends of the Buffalo River to a grain elevator. In straightforward sentences, he explains why these boats are necessary; equipment and preparations he employs; and the hazards he must avoid, along with the difficulties of maneuvering such a large vessel. Each page is illustrated with one or more clear full-color photographs; some show closeups of important objects along with larger scenes; others carry the action across the gutter. The picture of the grain ship at the unloading dock is a bit confusing, because readers see only the middle section being pushed by the tug. Otherwise, the illustrations support and clarify the narrative. Questions and answers about Great Lakes tugboats and a glossary complete the volume. The initial letter of text on each page is surrounded by a blue box with stylized waves, which detracts rather than adds to the impact. There are many other books about boats, but there is little else that's recent and in color about tugs.
Sylvia S. Marantz, Wellington School, Columbus, OH
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ages 3-7. Become the newest crew member and spend the morning aboard a Great Lakes tugboat in Buffalo, New York, with the captain and crew. The day's work begins with refueling the engine and washing the deck. Then it's full ahead for the barge, which is taking grain down the narrow, twisting Buffalo River that leads into Lake Erie. The narrative's fast pace keeps the action going as the barge avoids several mishaps. Safety is very important, and all crew members wear life vests, an important factor for young readers to observe. Large color photographs detail the hard work that goes into towing, and a question-and-answer page and a glossary round out the information. Good beginning-to-read nonfiction, especially of interest to children living on or near the Great Lakes. Christie Sylvester