T Is for Tugboat: Navigating the Seas from A to Z (Hardcover)

by Traci N. Todd (Author), Sara Gillingham (Designer)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 2–4—Following on the heels of A Is for Astronaut (2006) and C Is for Caboose (2007, both Chronicle), this attractive title is an eye-pleaser filled with a mix of photographs, illustrations, and graphic images set on textured, wood-grain backgrounds. Images are both vintage and contemporary, and range from black-and-white to full-color reproductions. Letters of the alphabet appear with anywhere from one word (V is for Vikings) to four words (S is for steamship, submarine, sextant, and square-rigger). The elegant scrapbook style offers great visual interest. The definitions of the sea-related terms, however, may be too difficult for alphabet learners while too simple for ardent young nautical fans. Definitions consist mainly of concise phrases. For example, a fireboat is described as "a boat that's like a fire engine on the water," while a hornpipe is defined as "a sailor's dance." A spread depicting an array of sailors' knots, a page illustrating Morse code, a spread labeling the parts of a ship, and the endpapers with the international code of maritime flags will be of interest to older children. The "Captain's Challenge," a series of questions pertaining to the content of the book, appears on the back flap.—Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD
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From Booklist
In the same spacious, scrapbook style as C Is for Caboose (2007), this alphabet book combines vintage photos and posters, many from museums, with occasional contemporary images that show how boats and ships sail, steer, and navigate the waters. No computers are part of the mix. The dots and dashes of the Morse code alphabet provide the drama, while tantalizing snippets of information—A is for Anchor, C is for Compass, T is for Titanic, and so on—will energize many kids to find out more. The double-page spread of more than 30 sailor’s knots and the skull and crossbones of a pirate ship are just a few of the things that will make their way into imaginative play. Preschool-Grade 2. --Hazel Rochman

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (April 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811860949
• ISBN-13: 978-0811860949
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #378,958 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Every young sailor will love the this nautical ABC book!, May 26, 2009

By	D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is calling all "ye young fellows that follows the sea" to join on board and have some fun sailing through its pages from A to Z. Land lubbers, plane, train and automobile lovers need not apply here because this book is all nautical. For those who are into secret codes, the International Code of Maritime Flags is printed on the endpages. If you aren't into flags, you just might be interested in the Morse Code under the letter M. A young person could really have some fun with these two codes!

On most of the pages you will find one to three items that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Under the letter K you will find knots. There are illustrations of thirty-two knots that sailors tie. If you are so inclined, you could probably find a separate book that will teach you how to tie them. There are great photographs, drawings and illustrations. You can take a look at a photograph of a ship's galley, a vintage motorboat and a Dhow. Hey, do you know what a Dhow is? If not, you will know once you hit the letter D. You'll have fun sailing though this book for sure!

This is not your typical A is for apple sort of ABC book, but rather one with a much more unique and focused theme. The art work, photographs and illustrations are variable in color and brightness. For example one page has a black and white photograph of the Queen Elizabeth and several pages beyond is a beautiful two page full color watercolor of a Viking ship. In the back of the book is a labeled diagram of a sailing ship. OK, can you quickly point out where the forecastle is on a ship? If not, you might want to take a closer look at this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars T is for Tugboat, November 30, 2008

By	Sandi Hill "woman in the wheel house" (Newport Beach, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Think this a great book full and wonderful graphics and clever A,B,C descriptions of nautical terms. Very well done for all ages to enjoy!