Adventures with Sam, a Victoria Harbour Ferry. Judy Klinger. Illustrated by Gregory Klinger. Victoria, BC: Trafford, 2004. 24 pp., pbk., $14.99. ISBN 1-4120-1961-3. Subject Headings: Victoria (B.C.)-Juvenile fiction. Harbors-Juvenile fiction. Preschool-grade 1 / Ages 3-6. Review by Christina Neigel. * /4

excerpt:

Sam Smiles.

Today is my first day as a Victoria harbour ferry.
I can watch.
I can learn.
I will try.
I will do it.

Sam is a lot smaller than the big ferries that go from one city to the next. He is like a water bus or water taxi. He can carry up to twelve people and their packages.

"Welcome, Sam," says Captain Paul, "These are your team mates. All the ferries and their Skippers work together."

"We always take good care of our engines," says Rob.

"This is a very busy harbour," states Sarah, the oldest ferry.

Sam's new job as harbour ferry introduces him to new boats, people, and events. The book is basically a reflection of his first season as a ferry and getting an opportunity to prove himself as a worthy boat.

     Unfortunately, this work lacks a certain sophistication of language and design, making it a rather dull read. Gregory Klinger's water colour illustrations and characterizations of the boats are quaint. However, the arrangement of the text sometimes disrupts the flow of his images. In fact, on one page, the text overlays the art, making the text hard to read. In the middle of the story, there is a two page spread of the harbour with various types of ships numbered and labeled in a legend. This disrupts the flow of the book and would be better suited to the end of the story.

     Attempting to appeal to those with a fascination for boats and the coastal city of Victoria, this work is not a particularly stellar example of children's literature. The language seems uninspired and forced, and the story lacks a strong central plot.

Not Recommended.

Christina Neigel is an instructor in the Library and Information Technology Diploma Program. at the University College of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, BC.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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