Henry the Sailor Cat - Hardcover

Calhoun, Mary

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0688108407 ISBN 13: 9780688108403

Publisher: William Morrow & Co, 1994

Synopsis

A stowaway cat proves his worth as a sailor during a sudden storm

About this title

Reviews

PreSchool-Grade 1-That intrepid Siamese cat, Henry, is back in another satisfying adventure. This time he is a stowaway on a small sloop that two members of his family are taking out for a sail. Once discovered, Henry proves that cats are natural sailors. He climbs the mast for a full view, spots cavorting dolphins, and watches carefully while The Man gives The Kid a lesson on coming about and stopping the boat. When the adult accidently slips overboard, it is quick-thinking Henry who leads the rescue. Ingraham's finely detailed, realistic watercolor illustrations are full of expression, and interesting perspectives make the feline's daring escapades totally believable. Seamlessly complementing the art is a text that captures the lure of sailing ("The water lapped gently, as if it was stroking the boat.") The practices portrayed are authentic, and the exciting rescue makes this an on-the-edge-of-your-seat read-aloud.
Caroline Ward, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In his fourth adventure, Henry the Siamese cat, star of High-Wire Henry , takes to sailing like a duck to water. After the first moments of queasiness have passed, he is scampering up the mast, marveling at dolphins and enjoying the feel of the breeze in his fur. And when one of his human sailing companions tumbles overboard, he proves himself handy with a slipknot and endowed wth razor-sharp vision. This unlikely but enjoyable tale is brightly told, with the world viewed through Henry's eyes; it seems that cats and children share similar enthusiasms when it comes to sailing. Henry happily occupies center stage; other characters are reduced to The Man, The Woman and The Kid, friendly peripheral figures. Light-splashed watercolors capture the varying blue tones of sky and sea, and, as in other Henry outings, the realistic artwork lends a touch of authenticity to far-fetched feline antics. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The popular Siamese returns as a stowaway on a jaunt with ``The Man'' and ``The Kid.'' When hiding below makes Henry queasy, he comes on deck to enjoy the sights (including dolphins and a whale), ascend the mast, note how the small craft is sailed, and play a crucial role in rescuing The Man when he falls overboard. The story is slight and predictable, but it's smoothly told by this old pro, while the carefully crafted realistic illustrations (remarkably precise for watercolors) are sure to appeal to Henry's fans and other cat lovers. (Picture book. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Ages 4-8. Children who have followed this cat's adventures as a cross-country skier, a high-wire walker, and a hot-air balloonist will surely want to be in on the adventure when he stows away on a sailboat. The Man (as Henry calls him) takes the Kid out on the ocean for a day of sailing. Initially annoyed to find Henry aboard, the Man changes his mind when Henry saves him from drowning. A storm breaks, the Man falls overboard, and the Kid (who was in the cabin at the time) must find his dad in the rough waters and steer the sailboat toward him with only Henry as his guide. Yes, the story is a bit unlikely, but the cat's point of view is utterly convincing, and Henry's fans will be pleased to find this smart Siamese playing the hero once again. With its realistic approach, fine lines, and delicate shades of color, Ingraham's artwork is a riveting part of the storytelling. A satisfying read-aloud. Carolyn Phelan

Edition details

• Publisher: William Morrow & Co
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0688108407
• ISBN 13: 9780688108403
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Ingraham Erick
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 40