Buoy [Hardcover]

Bruce Balan (Author), Raul Colon (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

Meet Buoy and his friends at sea in this enchanting new picture book that will delight readers of all ages:

Buoy lives in the middle of the sea, far from land and people. Some might think that Buoy would be lonely, but for him, the sea is home. His friend Gull is usually there, sitting atop Buoy's red light. Seal can often be found sunning herself on Buoy's base. The ocean world of these three friends is constantly changing, and always astonishing. They share the sounds of whale song, survive storms together, and watch shooting stars in the night sky.

Inspiring and poetic, Buoy's tales convey the joys, the challenges, and the wonders of life. Full of drama and humor as well as reflection, and concluding on a wave of celebration, Buoy will fill readers with wonder and enlightenment.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

If you've ever gazed dreamily out to sea, spotted a lone buoy bobbing and blinking, and let your imagination float along with it, you'll find a friend in Bruce Balan's Buoy. It's not such a lonely life for Buoy--after all, Gull is usually perched atop his red light, and Seal lounges at his "feet." These three friends live a rewarding life under the Sky and Stars--enriched by visits from Shark, a raft of Crabs floating on an old egg carton, and even a singing pod of Whales: "Porpoise said [the Whales' song] told of the first day of the Sea. And how the first Whale swam on that first day. And how the first Whale sang. And how the song created itself and everything else as well. There was much more, but it was too ancient for any of them ever to grasp."

Buoys will be buoys--he lives for a "Ship-Coming." When a ship does come, he flashes his light and proudly rings his bell, whispering, "Stay to the west" to shield the ship from danger. Buoy also saves a family adrift during a storm, makes music with his friends, analyzes the Green Flash that occurs just before sunset, plays games with the Clouds, and engages in debates with his Sea-dwelling friends. In gentle, winsome prose, Balan spins a simple story of an ocean life, embedding his quiet philosophy of the interconnectedness of all things, the importance of friendship, the fragile ecology of our planet, and the deep mysticism of being--messages that have inspired some to compare this small book to The Little Prince and Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Raúl Colón, illustrator of Tomás and the Library Lady and A Weave of Words graces Balan's poetic text with his radiant, textured scratchboard illustrations that capture the exuberant, uplifting--can we say buoyant?--spirit of Buoy and his buddies. (All ages) --Karin Snelson

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-3AA window on the cover of this book invites readers inside to view the daily life of a buoy and his friends Gull and Seal. In 16 short chapters, Buoy expresses his love of the sea in all of its moods, his wonder at the beauty of the sky, and his warm feelings for his friends. Throughout, he demonstrates his pride at being the protector of ships and provider of a home for animals. This odd little book has many features that children will find appealing. It is small and attractively designed with bright white pages, wide margins, and handsome illustrations. Though the print is small, the language is simple enough for beginning chapter-book readers. In spite of this, one wonders whether youngsters will understand the lovely, anthropomorphized images. It also seems doubtful that they would read an essentially plotless story whose main character is an inanimate object. However, enthusiastic teachers might read this title aloud as part of a unit on the ocean.AMaggie McEwen, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, ME
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers; First Edition. 1 in number line edition (May 11, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385325398
• ISBN-13: 978-0385325394
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #843,312 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sweet story of friendship at sea, July 23, 1999

By 

Natasha Wing "Children's Book Author" (Fort Collins, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Buoy (Hardcover)

This book is especially recommended for people who live near the sea. I loved the quiet, sweet interactions between the sea animals, and the soft beauty of the book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As beautifully but simply written as a prose poem., December 8, 1998

By 

Evelyn R. Preston (Palo Alto,, California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buoy (Hardcover)

Reminiscent of Hemingway's, The Old Man and the Sea, due to the simple but eloquent writing. This short book has a rhythm to both the story and the prose which adds to the meaning and will enchant readers of all ages. Best of all, I can imagine this story of a buoy, gull and seal--each with definite personality--being read aloud and enjoyed by an adult. My purchase of this 9-12 age story was for an adult who loves ships and studies oceans and can re-experience the wonder of the sea and its creatures from a unique slant. The book covers all faces of the ocean environment without being cute or corny and the low-key illustrations add to the quiet but moving tone. Highly recommended a la other small classics. Great for a family gift.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is poetic, witty, thought-provoking - for all ages, March 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Buoy (Hardcover)

If you love the natural world of the ocean and you want to experience its life and beauty and unexpected activity in a new way, in a truly poetic and thoughtful and witty and eye-opening way, read Buoy. Read it to yourself, and read it to your children.