The Mutiny on the Bounty [Hardcover]

Patrick O'Brien (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Life sailing with the Royal Navy in the 1780's was particularly miserable: sailors slept in crowded hammocks, ate moldy cheese and maggoty bread, and were subject to very harsh discipline.  So when the HMS Bounty arrived in Tahiti after 11 months at sea, the crew of the Bounty thought it was heaven on earth. Living on the island paradise made them lazy and careless.
 
As the return journey began, Captain Bligh's crew proved reluctant to leave. His temper began to flare, and his second-in-command and old friend Fletcher Christian suffered the worst of Bligh's outbursts. His honor at stake and a longing to return to the island, Christian led a mutiny, then set Bligh and 18 loyal crew members adrift in a launch. 
 
A daring escape by Christian and the mutineers, paired with Bligh's amazing story of survival all make up one of history's most rousing true maritime tales, and Patrick O'Brien's 85 illustrations reach epic proportions of drama and realism.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3–6—In flowing text, illustrated with striking single- and double-page paintings and smaller panels, O'Brien retells the story of the Bounty's fateful voyage and William Bligh, the ship's brilliant but harsh, unyielding captain. The book includes a map showing the route of the voyage, a diagram of the vessel, and a description of the living conditions onboard. The author traces the beginnings of the conflict between Bligh and his second-in-command, Fletcher Christian, which led to the mutiny; the dangerous journey and eventual return of the captain and his loyal seamen to England; the settling of Christian and his followers on Pitcairn Island; and the punishment of the surviving mutineers. Although there is some fictionalization of dialogue, thoughts, and feelings, this is a great tale of adventure and conflict. The handsome illustrations, done in watercolor and gouache, are packed with details and action, and add to the drama.—Ann Joslin, Fort LeBoef School District, Waterford, PA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

O'Brien, whose other seafaring books include The Great Ships (2001) and Duel of the Ironclads (2003), tells of the famous mutiny on the British naval vessel Bounty in 1787. Commanded by William Bligh and, under him, Fletcher Christian, the ship sailed from England to Tahiti. After leaving the island, simmering tensions boiled over, and Christian took command of the ship, forcing Captain Bligh and sailors loyal to him onto a small boat. Miraculously, Bligh and his men survived and made their way back to England. Meanwhile, some of the mutineers returned to Tahiti, while others made their way to Pitcairn Island. O'Brien writes clearly, balances both sides of the story, and illustrates the book with dramatic watercolor-and-gouache paintings. From double-page scenes to combinations of small pictures, the handsome artwork sets the story's tone, defines the period, and brings the characters to life. Blocks of text almost give this the look of a graphic novel. A source bibliography is appended. Accessible, dramatic nonfiction, especially recommended for those who love tales of seafaring drama. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Walker Childrens (January 23, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802795870
• ISBN-13: 978-0802795878
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #799,766 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I may be cranky, but at least I'm not an idiot, May 10, 2007

By 

T. (Bryn Mawr, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mutiny on the Bounty (Hardcover)

It is a shame that customers who cannot spell properly or pay attention to what they are purchasing should under-rate a fabulous book--or a fabulous author and illustrator for that matter--because of their own error. Patrick O'Brien, with an "e", is the author and illustrator of well over a dozen picture books for children. To imply that Patrick O'Brien is not the "real" Patrick O'Brian would be a funny comment if the reviewer then didn't drag down the book's overall rating. Sorry I'm not being very positive here, but I would not like to see a continuation of one person after another claiming how this is not the book they thought it was, when if you read the description, the reviews or any of the criteria that Amazon provides, you will understand completely who this book is intended for.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a GREAT addition to libraries & young classrooms!, September 5, 2007

By 

E. Fox (Oregon Coast USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mutiny on the Bounty (Hardcover)

This beautifully wrought version of the tale of mutiny on the high seas blurs the distinction between picture book and graphic novel, creating a masterpiece of juvenile fiction that will bring drama, history, and adventure to even the most reluctant readers. This book, along with O'Brien's The Great Ships, would be an excellent addition to elementary libraries and classrooms

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Adventure Story Retold for Kids, January 10, 2008

By 

Marco Antonio Abarca (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mutiny on the Bounty (Hardcover)

The mutiny on the ship Bounty, is one of the great adventure stories. The events surrounding the mutiny have inspired a number of great movies and countless books. There is a lot of history in this story. A children's version must include a lot more historical detail than one usually finds in comparable children's books. Patrick O'Brien does a fine job of retelling the story. However, what makes this book special are the illustrations. Naval illustration is one of the more difficult areas of book illustration. It requires a great attention to detail to make these sailing ships come alive. O'Brien is a skilled illustrator and does a first rate job. The Mutiny on the Bounty is a classic story and this book will serve as a wonderful introduction for any child.