A New World version of a classic, set on a New England coastal estuary in the 1920's. This is a story about the denizens of a very special river. For like their relatives on the other side of the ocean, this river had its own Rat, Mole, Badger, Otter, and Weasel clans.
When a spooky nocturnal creature starts terrorizing the riverfront, Mr. Rat's clever daughter sets to work solving the mystery and unmasking the culprit. But that is only the beginning of the intrigue and adventure one eventful summer.
This lyrically-written book features a mysterious Native American prophesy, a suspected sea monster, a scavenger hunt with a surprising twist, persnickety weasels, a mysterious clue etched on a piece of birch bark, some hilarious hijinks by Mr. Toad's son, a chatterbox bobolink, a devastating hurricane, a heroic rescue, a liberal sprinkling of gentle humor, nautical adventures in wooden boats, some historical fiction, an unusual square dance with fireflies, a campfire on the beach at night watching shooting stars, some scalding Advanced Praise, an outrageously conceited poem by Mr. Toad, and an snarky interview by the author.
This story is set against the rural backdrop of coastal New England almost a century ago. All the natural history and science in this book is accurate and will inspire young readers to learn more. Most of the locations, boat names, and historical events are accurate for the times.
Frederick Thurber earned a BA degree from Brown University. After moving to Westport, Massachusettes he wrote about the wildlife of the Southcoast for over 20 years through his weekly column, "Woods & Waters" in the Dartmouth Chronicle and Westport Shorelines. He has also been a guest nature columnist in the Providence Journal, and produced an audio version of his nature essays for Rhode Island Public Radio. Thurber began his writing career during the Striped Bass collapse of the 1980's where he was a passionate advocate, and voice for their conservation. His discoveries with Geoff Dennis regarding the foraging habits of the Hermit Thursh have been published in a technical birding (ornithological) journal The Wilson Bulletin. Frederick Thurber earned a BA degree from Brown University. After moving to Westport, Massachusettes he wrote about the wildlife of the Southcoast for over 20 years through his weekly column, "Woods & Waters" in the Dartmouth Chronicle and Westport Shorelines. He has also been a guest nature columnist in the Providence Journal, and produced an audio version of his nature essays for Rhode Island Public Radio. Thurber began his writing career during the Striped Bass collapse of the 1980's where he was a passionate advocate, and voice for their conservation. His discoveries with Geoff Dennis regarding the foraging habits of the Hermit Thrush have been published in a technical birding (ornithological) journal The Wilson Bulletin. This is his first book.
Amy Thurber grew up in the woods of Central Connecticut, where her father taught her geology, ecology, fishing, and the wisdom of the woodland creatures, trees, and wildflowers. After earning a BFA degree in Illustration from Rhode Island School of Design, she moved to Little Compton, Rhode Island, and then Westport, Massachusetts. Her illustrations and graphic designs have appeared in local publications, and with her husband's nature columns. She has also dabbled in farming, and now grows unusual plants to create her leaf pottery. She currently resides in Massachusetts, with her husband, son, pet cat, pet dove, and 10 beloved hens.
