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claudiaswisher's review
4.0
Written as an old sea-shanty, this book tells the story of a 'real' sea serpent off the shore of Gloucester, MA in the early 1800's. Told in the voice of the residents of the town, it is poetic and mysterious...no one knows (or no one's telling) what the serpent really was, but attempts to harpoon it were as useless as harpooning the White Whale.
Reading the poetry made me wish someone would put this story to music.
Reading the poetry made me wish someone would put this story to music.
abomine's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
For the kid in me who's still obsessed with cryptozoology and also appreciates a good picture book, this was an absolute delight. It's an adventure, it's a ballad, it's a sea shanty, it's a subtle fable, and it will leave kids pondering and wondering long after storytime is over.
The edition I read was an audiobook I got from the library, so unfortunately I missed out on what must have been some pretty cool illustrations. I googled this book and was able to find a few, and what little I saw were absolutely beautiful. Still, John McDonough's narration was perfect for this story, like being read to by a wise and weathered sailor, so I didn't miss the illustrations as much as I might have.
The edition I read was an audiobook I got from the library, so unfortunately I missed out on what must have been some pretty cool illustrations. I googled this book and was able to find a few, and what little I saw were absolutely beautiful. Still, John McDonough's narration was perfect for this story, like being read to by a wise and weathered sailor, so I didn't miss the illustrations as much as I might have.
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