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THE MARVELOUS MARITIME ADVENTURES OF THE TUGBOAT CHERYL ANN by Robert Ellenberg

THE MARVELOUS MARITIME ADVENTURES OF THE TUGBOAT CHERYL ANN

by Robert Ellenberg illustrated by Carolyn Frank

Publisher: FriesenPress

A tugboat discovers aging ships—and figures out a way to help them—in this debut picture book.

Many seas are rough and dangerous, but along the Bay of Tranquility in the Principality of Peace, the blue-green ocean is calm. There, the tugboat Cheryl Ann keeps order, making sure all the vessels find their ways. One day, a flash of light attracts her to a far corner of the bay; she soon spots sleepy lanes of crafts no longer in commission, including one bright-eyed former freighter who has forgotten his name. Convinced he no longer serves a purpose because he can’t haul cargo, the aging vessel finds new hope when Cheryl Ann suggests he pass his knowledge on to younger ships. Frank’s watercolor illustrations feature anthropomorphic boats against beautiful seascapes. Her soft edges reflect the tone of Ellenberg’s soothing prose. While some vocabulary words may challenge newly independent readers, the author’s phrasing encourages reading aloud: “The old ships rallied and revved and chugged back into life.” While the sensitive story works well as a metaphor for valuing those who can no longer do their old jobs but can still share their knowledge, it may concern literal-minded readers. They may be troubled by the pollution the ex-freighter causes with his leaking oil and fuel.

A gentle tale about finding a new purpose that introduces a charming tugboat lead.