Paddle-to-the-Sea

by Holling Clancy Holling Narrated by Terry Bregy

Overview

A young Indian boy from Nipigon country in the Canadian wilderness carves a twelve-inch canoe with a kneeling Indian figure and frees it to undertake a journey to the Atlantic Ocean in his place. He must stay home and help his father but yearns to learn about the world beyond his life in the village. Four years later this tiny vessel reaches its destination, ending a journey fraught with danger, excitement, and beauty.

Taking the listener through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, Holling Clancy Holling gives us a treasure chest of geography and natural science wrapped in an unforgettably beautiful story. This timeless award-winning book has been a favorite of families for over sixty years.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

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.

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

School Library Journal

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.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173593030
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	04/30/2010
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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