Reviews

• A damn good read for any inquisitive youngster

  I had all of Holling Clancy Holling's books as a young man growing up in Canada and never ever forgot them. Now as an old man with a teenage son I wanted him to read, experience and enjoy HCH's writing. Also purchased was Paddle to the Sea. And will also buy Minn of the Mississippi and Tree in the Trail in due course. Beautiful books, well written, and exquisite and exceptionally beautiful drawings. All lovely stories.

• Must have for every home library

  Quick delivery and packed well. We're excited to start reading this book as it's one of our favourite authors.

• magnificent illustrations

  The Holling Clancy Holling books: Pagoo, Minn of the Mississippi, Paddle to the Sea, and Seabird, were my childhood favorites, especially Seabird,because of my love of the sea, and, because somehow I identified with the main character, Ezra. These books all have a similar format: They have a fictional story, a kind of historical or wildlife novel - very well researched, and appropriate for about third grade or older. They are large books: nine by 12 inches, and,when you open them they have a one page chapter on the left page, and a beautiful, full-size, detailed, water-color painting on the right page. There are also, at least one, and usually several, black and white drawings in the margins of the left page. Some of these marginal illustrations show scenes from the story and others contain technical or scientific information with notes. They are all beautiful and fascinating. I still enjoy rereading them at age 60. For pure artistic quality these might be the best children's books ever written! As illustrated books the are the equal of any I have seen, even including the stunning Rockwell Kent books like North by East. The information contained is also very thorough and interesting, especially to a kid who loves science and technology and history. Even at 70 years old the books don't seem dated. Some of these books have been reprinted in paperback and one reviewer mentioned the the colors didn't look as bright as in the originals. If true, this is very sad, but often the case in reprinted children's classics. It is probably best to by a used hard-cover copy. Make sure it comes with a dust jacket.

• Five Stars

  Bought this to supplement our homeschool. Very enjoyable.

• Seabird was Beautiful

  The beginning of this book sounded like poetry. The description of the bird and the scenery along with the illustrations were magnificent. The mystical quality of the opening scene grabbed and held your interest. Besides the spellbinding qualities of the wording and pictures, the book was also informative, telling, for example, how the sailors did their work on the oldtime whaling ships and about the islands the ship visited, which took in history and geography. Character and love of family was brought out in the steadfastness and conscientiousness of the protagonist. The story went on through four generations of seamen which kept family continuity. This was such a heartening relief from the repulsive tales of horror or illmannered people that make up many of the children's books today. It was a pleasure to give this quality book to my grandson. Norma King Green

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