Island Boy
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Book Overview
The acclaimed author of Miss Rumphius recounts the lives of four generations living on a New England coastal island and the importance of family ties. The youngest and quietest of 12 children, Matthias grew closest to Tibbets Island, learning its secrets through the years. And though in later years he sailed to faraway places, he always returned to the island he loved. "Island Boy is certain to be a favorite for family sharing, as well as a must for school and public libraries. Teachers will love it; buy extra copies."--School Library Journal
"As encompassing as the portrait of a life depicted in the award-winning Miss Rumphius, Cooney's latest work is an ode to simple acts of daily living."--Publishers Weekly
"As encompassing as the portrait of a life depicted in the award-winning Miss Rumphius, Cooney's latest work is an ode to simple acts of daily living."--Publishers Weekly
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0140507566
ISBN13:9780140507560
Release Date:June 1991
Publisher:Puffin Books
Length:40 Pages
Weight:0.35 lbs.
Dimensions:0.1" x 9.8" x 8.0"
Age Range:3 to 5 years
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
One of the most beautiful picture books I've ever seen
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Having grown up in the exact area this book is written about, I can say with certainly that the pictures are so realistic and gorgeous they made me cry. They capture exactly the houses, fields, seas and trees of the mid-coast Maine region. The story is wonderful also. I love children's book that cover a whole life as this one does---we follow the main character from his babyhood until his death, and see how his life closely connected to the sea and the land affects so many around him. In doing so, we see a little Maine history presented---the age of the sea captain and the age of the "rusticators" buying up the beautiful land and sometimes reducing the natives to working for them, but NEVER being servants to them. The maps on the endpages fascinated my older son. They are of I think a slightly fantasy Maine, with some places being real places and others renamed, and he loved trying to see what was really what, as he knows the area to some extent. I would say this would be a wonderful addition to your picture book library, as most Cooney books are!
Lovely Story Invoking the Islands of Maine
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Island Boy tells the story of boy in Maine growing up on and around the ocean. The Island that he was raised on in his youth and its passing from generation to generation is the central theme. In terms that a child can understand, the book captures the transition of the island. The illustrations are lovely telling the story of making food, milking cows, and living on the ocean.
A Beautiful Story for All Ages
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I have enjoyed reading this book to children for years (I'm a teacher). My two sons, ages 9 and 6, still request that I read it to them when we read aloud to each other. The story is a classic tale of the cycles of life, and how you really CAN go home again. I always cry at the end. I recommend it for ages 3 and up. Get ready to answer some weighty kid questions.
A Great Book.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
I think that this is a great book. It is not just for small children but for people of all ages. It is a moving story about the life and death of a man who spends most of it on one island. We can only envy him.
touching story of family life in turn of century America
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Through the eyes of Matthias we watch the times change from a bucolic country life by the sea to a vacation haven for the rich and wealthy mainlanders. But throughout Matthias and his family strive to keep the island beautiful and respect the old ways passing them on from one generation to the next. The pastoral illustrations convey the warmth of this possibly best of Barbara Cooney's tales. Boys will especially like it, although my daughters loved it, too.
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