Inspired by the 1836 wreck of the Royal Tar, Maine author Chris Van Dusen presents a hugely entertaining tale about the bonds of community. When a circus ship runs aground off the coast of Maine, the poor animals are left on their own to swim the chilly waters. Staggering onto a nearby island, they win over the wary townspeople with their kind, courageous ways, and when the greedy circus owner returns to claim them, villagers of all species conspire to outsmart him.
Buoyant rhymes and brilliantly caricatured illustrations evoke the early nineteenth century and hidden-pictures are spread throughout for eagle-eyed readers of all ages. (Hardcover picture book, 40 pages) *Autographed Copy*
