Paddle-to-the-Sea

by Holling C. Holling, Holling Clancy Holling (Illustrator)

Overview

An 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780780727823
Publisher:	Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication date:	02/28/1980
Series:	Sandpiper Books
Product dimensions:	8.75(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.25(d)
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

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

Paddle-to-the-Sea tells the story of a young Indian boy who lives in Nipigon and the toy he carved from wood. The small figurine depicts an Indian seated in a Canoe. When the great ice storm melts in his hometown, a river of melted snow and ice will flow down to Lake Superior and other cities and carry the small toy along with it. The young boy makes this toy so that it will carry out the adventures that he would not be able to have. He lovingly names the sculpture "Paddle." The boy wishes he can accompany Paddle, but he must stay at home and help his father with work. The tale goes on to describe encounters that Paddle has with different places and with the animals of those places. The illustrations in the story give great detail as to what the different scenery looks like as Paddle travels along on his adventures. Once Paddle comes in contact with a family of beavers that live farther down the river. Their home, which is a small dam, has caused the river to form a pond and Paddle gets stuck. But finally, the water breaks the dam and the river can continue to flow, sending Paddle on his way. This is a fun, adventurous story with very colorful and detailed illustrations. Any young child would enjoy reading about the exciting experiences Paddle has, and enjoy looking at the pictures of different kinds of places and wildlife. 1980 (orig. 1941), Houghton Mifflin,
— Megan Stanley <%ISBN%>0808551515

Children's Literature

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

"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