Out on the water

I don’t have sea legs, I like my feet firmly on the ground, but after reading Out on the water, Tessa Duder has made me feel that maybe, in that view, I am missing out on adventure!

Out on the water- Twelve tales of the sea is a fabulous mix of short stories (two longer historical ones) that take place on the water. Broken up into three groups of stories, Being Skipper, Being Crew and Being out at Sea, this variety means readers are immersed in a full range of sailing experiences from an Optimist, tall ship, P-class to a Ferry, to name a few.

Bruce Potter’s illustrations are captivating, they give the reader a real sense of the character’s emotions and the action in the stories. A helpful glossary of ‘The language of the Sea’ is included at the back of the book, I now know that a ‘Baggywrinkle’ is a “hairy cylinder of knotted rope attached to a ship’s rigging to prevent sails chafing”.

The short stories are the perfect length and pace for reading aloud in one sitting in a classroom setting and Out on the Water will appeal to readers who like sailing but also readers who like a sense of adventure!

Title: Out on the water: twelve tales of the sea

Author: Tessa Duder

Illustrator: Bruce Potter

Publisher: Oratia Media

ISBN: 978-1-877514-75-3

RRP: $29.99

Format: Paperback

Publication: 2014

Ages: 8+

Reviewer: Louana McCormack, Librarian, Opaheke School, Auckland

How are you recommending this book? Recommended

Opening sentence: Do you know what ‘Optimist’ means?

You can buy this book here