Cutlass in the snow - Hardcover

Rezensionen

Gr 2-4 Based upon what is believed to be an actual event, eight short chapters tell the story of Grandpa and Sam Campbell's discovery of a hidden cache of gold coins on rural Long Island, New York, in 1797. Grandfather and grandson sail to still-wild Fire Island to collect holly. When a storm forces them to stay overnight, they inadvertently discover a pirate's cutlass protruding from the sand and snow. This, in turn, leads them to a buried treasure. The book is handsomely designed with full-page, expressive pencil drawings. Unfortunately, the text weakens what might have been a memorable book. The story unfolds too slowly for the intended audience, and the characters are stiff and underdeveloped. Regardless of its flaws, however, the book may be appreciated by those who know Long Island and wonder about its past. Cathy Wood, Shelburne Museum, Vt.

Copyright 1986 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Shub, who has previously collaborated with Isadora on Seeing is Believing and The White Stallion, deftly portrays the details of the sail across Great South Bay and the excitement of the adventure. She describes the landscape of Fire Island with extraordinary love and care. One is torn between rushing through the book oto see the outcome and lazing over the beautiful prose. It's 1797 and 10-year-old Sam and his grandfather sail from Long Island to Fire Island. Once on the island they find a pirate's cutlass thrust into the snow. It marks the spot where a treasure chest is buried. Isadora's wispy and wonderful black-and-white picturesone per chapterevoke perfectly the period and the warm relationship between grandfther and grandson.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.