Paddle-to-the-Sea

by Holling C. Holling

Overview

A 1942 Caldecott Honor Book

A young Indian boy carves a little canoe with a figure inside and names him Paddle-to-the-Sea. Paddle's journey, in text and pictures, through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean provides an excellent geographic and historical picture of the region.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780395150825
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/09/1941
Pages:	64
Sales rank:	69,801
Product dimensions:	8.62(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.55(d)
Lexile:	840L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 12 Years

About the Author

Born in Jackson County, Michigan, in 1900, Holling Clancy Holling graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1923. He then worked in a taxidermy department of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and spent time working in anthropology under Dr. Ralph Linton. During this period, he married Lucille Webster and within a year of their marriage accepted a position as art instructor on the first University World Cruise, sponsored by New York University. For many years, Holling C. Holling dedicated much of his time and interest to making books for children. Much of the material he used was known to him first hand, and his wife, Lucille, worked with him on many of the illustrations.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Geography of the best kind made vivid by the power of imagination." Horn Book

"Geography of the best kind made vivid by the power of imagination." Horn Book Guide

Editorial Reviews

"Geography of the best kind made vivid by the power of imagination." Horn Book

"Geography of the best kind made vivid by the power of imagination." Horn Book Guide —

From the Publisher

Holling's Caldecott Honor book, first published in 1941, finds a new life in Bregy's reading. With a voice that ranges from smooth and lilting to excited and energetic, Bregy helps listeners follow the informative and sometimes dramatic adventures of a toy-sized Indian figure and canoe carved by an Indian boy in Canada. Wishing he could make a grand journey himself, the Canadian boy carves the figure he names "Paddle-to-the-Sea" and sets him on the snow near a river that will eventually carry him to the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River and, ultimately, the Atlantic Ocean. The trip is not easy-Paddle faces peril in the form of wild animals, the elements, saw mills, fishing nets and a shipwreck among other things. But luckily, anytime Paddle happens to go off-course, someone reads the message carved on his canoe ("Put me back in water. I am Paddle-to-the-Sea") and helps him continue his travels. Younger listeners will be inspired by the image of a toy embarking on such a fascinating and dangerous voyage; many adults will appreciate the tribute paid to nature and the geographical tidbits included here. A top-notch family listen. Ages 7-up. (Jan.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Gr 3-5-Holling's Caldecott Honor book, originally published in 1941, will surely find a new audience with this dramatic reading. Narrator Terry Bregy delivers an exceptional performance. His cadence ranges from smooth and easy to energetic, and listeners are lead along on the story's journey. A young Indian boy from Nipigon country in the Canadian wilderness carves an Indian figure in a 12-inch canoe that he names Paddle-to-the-Sea. Wishing that he could undertake a journey to the Atlantic Ocean, the boy sends the toy carving instead. Paddle-to-the-Sea begins on a snow bank near a river that eventually leads him to the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, and finally the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, Paddle's journey is fraught with danger including wild animals, saw mills, fishing nets, and a shipwreck. Paddle receives help staying on course from people who read the message carved on his canoe ("Put me back in the water. I am Paddle-to-the-Sea"). Four years later, Paddle has reached his destination, and listeners have experienced an incredible story complete with geography, nature, drama, and adventure. Original music accompanies the reading and adds to the mood. A notable listening experience for families, public and school libraries alike will value this addition to their audio collections.-Shauna Yusko, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

An Indian boy carves a wooden canoe and writes an inscription that the canoe is trying to find the quickest route to the sea. He then sets the canoe into Lake Michigan and longingly watches it sail away. The canoe spends four years on the water, being picked up by loggers, fishermen, and families before finally making it to the sea. Its adventures give children a good idea of the wonders and diversity in the world. Terry Bregy reads in a voice befitting a bedtime tale. His clear, soft voice allows the listener to relax while learning. J.F.M. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

JUN/JUL 04 - AudioFile