JOHN TABOR'S RIDE

According to the author's note, this is an embroidery on a tall tale by John Tabor, harpooner on a ship out of New Bedford, Mass., and recorded by J. Ross Browne, who included it in a book published in 1846. Here, Tabor--on his first voyage--is a constant complainer, wearying the more experienced whalers. One night, a strange little old man accosts him on deck and takes him on a hair-raising cruise around the world on the back of a whale. This fearful experience reforms the grumbler; thereafter, he is a jolly sailor who cheers the crew with yarns and songs. Day recounts this fantastic voyage with admirable energy and glee, just right for sharing aloud. In his expertly wrought, full-color illustrations, Zimmer pays tribute to scrimshaw with his fine detail, crosshatching, and the angular features of his characters; his imaginative visual expansion of the story adds delightfully to the interest and humor.