BOAT RIDE. Mavrow, Cecilia. Illustrated by Thach Bui. Toronto, Three Trees Press, c1985. 64pp, paper, ISBN 0-88823-108-3 (cloth) $11.95, 0-88823-106-7 (paper) $4.95. CIP Grades 4-6 Reviewed by Beatrice Russell Volume 15 Number 1 1987 January In this delightful story, Timmy, a twelve-year-old boy, tells how his mother arranged for him to spend two weeks of his holidays with his cousins who live in the country on Denman Island. He has spent his life in the city and has not had much contact with his relatives, so he is not anticipating a very exciting holiday. His mother portrays it as a holiday that would be any twelve-year-old boy's dream. So he finds himself on Denman Island, being met at the dock by his Aunt Lucy and eleven-year-old cousin, Suzy. They then join Uncle Jack and Cousin Dan at the car. On the way to his aunt's place they have a picnic. While Aunt Lucy is setting out the lunch, Suzy and Timmy (nicknamed "Spuds") wade into the water, where Spuds has his first experience handling little crabs. After his first shock he soon enjoys taking part in Suzy's game of an imaginary school for crabs. When Aunt Lucy's constant talking becomes intolerable, Spuds composes a letter in his mind in which he tells his mother some of his frustrations. As he becomes more familiar with the family's ways and their sense of humour, however, he even begins to enjoy some of their jokes, and is able to reciprocate. Although Aunt Lucy makes many picnics, Spuds does not realize she is doing it to entertain him until just before he leaves for home. His great ambition is to drive Uncle Jack's motor boat. He has almost given up hoping, when certain events make his dream come true, but in a very unexpected way. The story brings about a subtle change in Spud's attitude toward country people, especially his relatives. He is even hoping to come back to visit them at some future time. Boat Ride is a sequel to the book Safari Ride* by the same author. It is written in a style appropriate for the age group and flows in a very easy manner. The print is clear and easily read. Beatrice Russell, Lacombe, Alta. *Reviewed vol. XIII/2 March 1985 p. 68.