The Castaway

By James Stevenson

Book Overview

Only James Stevenson could have thought it up! Reading is believing! This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688169651
• ISBN13: 9780688169657
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Greenwillow
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 0.3" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 5 years and up
• Grade Range: Preschool and higher

Customer Reviews

Another Gem from James Stevenson

James Stevenson is a highly original author/illustrator whose mastery of wry humor is shared by perhaps only Daniel Pinkwater. Here, we meet Hubie the mouse and his family, featured in earlier Stevenson books such as "The Seaview Hotel," and "The Stowaway." In faux documentary style, the first page announces that it's 1937 (look at the upper left, or you might not see this). Hubie and his family visit a grand, rococo-style movie theatre to see the melodramatic "The Island of No Return" (scenes from which Stevenson draws in evocative shades of gray). Hubie alternately displays and hides his fears--especially of islands. As the youngest family member, and the only one who is afraid, Hubie is somewhat of a castaway in his own family. Stevenson then tosses in one of many improbable but fun plot twists: The family receives a large, stylish "Greetings from Barabooda Island" foldout from their aunt. They fly there in a dirigible (just another in Stevenson's bag of scene-setting tricks), but Hubie very accidentally falls out and lands in the giant mouth of a pelican swimming a few hundred feet below. "I beg your pardon...," Hubie says very properly," I just fell out of a dirigible." In what now seems like a parody of "Survivor," Hubie meets a castaway on a deserted (or is it?) island, who shows him his baseball stadium, drum set, fruit stand, and speedboat! Everything is done in a wonderfully offhand style, with more and more fantastic perils facing our heroes on the island. Stevenson's casual drawings and very handwritten-looking text add to the whole tone of sublime nonsense. There's also a nicely done light message at the conclusion, as Hubie's adventures feed a newly discovered appetite for adventure. Stevenson is beloved by many adults and kids; still, it seems that this superb writer has not received his due recognition. This book is an excellent introduction to his talents, and I hope it will encourage you to read his many other books. The book is 30 pages long, with illustrations done in pen and ink and watercolor, and the usual high production standards of the Greenwillow publishing house.

Hubie's Back....

Timid little mouse, Hubie, would have probably been more receptive to the idea of going on a family vacation to exotic Barabooda Island had he not seen the scary movie, The Island Of No Return. And the fact that they were traveling there on an enormous dirigible, The Island Clipper, didn't help calm his fears. But when his worst fears are realized, and a storm sends poor Hubie overboard, he finds himself on an almost deserted island, and ready for the adventure of a lifetime..... James Stevenson has brought back one of his most endearing characters, and just like his previous Hubie stories, The Seaview Hotel, All Aboard, and The Stowaway, his latest opus doesn't disappoint. Mr Stevenson's playful and engaging story, told in a bold and busy comic-book format, is clever and entertaining, and kids will revel in the humorous, action-packed scenes, eye-catching details, and surprise ending. Perfect for youngsters 5-9, The Castaway is a manic, fun-filled romp that shouldn't be missed.

Stevenson does it again!

As usual James Stevenson comes out with another great book. Hubie is back! I am a big fan of James Stevenson. Everything he writes always takes me back to my childhood. I highly reccommend this book. Your children or students will enjoy!...