“Sailing With the Wind” by Thomas Locker
Dial Books, New York, 1986, 32 pages, Grades K-3.
Fortunate children have a favorite uncle or aunt. Usually, this person shares exciting adventures with the children. Not having the responsibilities of parenthood, this relative can often do the “fun” things of childhood with the children. Since they can leave the disciplining of the children to the parents, these family mentors are very popular. And of course, they should be since they bring joy into the children’s lives. Thomas Locker has written a delightful story of such a relationship entitled “Sailing Into The Wind.”
Elizabeth is a young girl living in a warm family. She loves her Uncle Jack, a sailor. Uncle Jack’s adventures stir the child’s imagination. The places he has travelled to, such as China, seem too exotic to be believed. She knows Uncle Jack is about to return from a voyage and climbs up a hill overlooking a nearby river to glimpse his boat coming ashore.
Suddenly, she catches a glimpse of a white sail and runs down to meet her uncle. Coming home with her, Jack and Elizabeth’s parents have a pleasant visit. Finally, Jack asks a question Elizabeth has long waited for: “Don’t you think Elizabeth’s old enough now to sail to the ocean with me?” (p.10)
Elizabeth’s father is unsure since the trip down the river is quite far and not without its own dangers. But the girl’s mother reassures him and plans are made for the next day. Elizabeth can’t believe her good luck and eagerly goes to bed after setting the alarm clock for 5:30 a.m.
Early the next morning, when the mists are still rising from the river, Elizabeth and Uncle Jack launch the boat. The child is jubilant since she is going on an adventure with her favorite uncle. At first there is no wind so Jack rows the boat, aided by the current. After several hours they land on a small island and eat breakfast. Elizabeth pours her uncle some coffee but is eager to get started again. After all, how exciting must it be to sail a boat from the mouth of the river into the ocean?
Finally, several hours later, they glide from the river into a bay that leads out to the spectacular blue ocean. It is more thrilling than she could have ever imagined. But suddenly, a storm sweeps across the water and Uncle Jack turns the boat around and heads back across the bay to the safety of the river. But the wind picks up and the storm seems to be chasing them. Elizabeth tightens her life jacket and prepares for the danger. The boat and the storm race each other.
What happens to Elizabeth and Uncle Jack? Do they outrun the storm? Have they prepared well? Have you ever had an adventure change suddenly? What did you do? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out “Sailing Into The Wind” by Thomas Locker.
Thomas Locker writes interesting children’s books and paints sumptuous landscapes and personal portraits. His drawings are some of the most beautiful paintings you will see in picture books. His painting of Elizabeth and Uncle Jack entering the ocean is a lovely example of this. I hope you get a chance to read this book with the younger members of your family. The artwork is sometimes poignant and endearing and at other times stunning and spectacular. I hope you get a chance to read this book or any of his other fine titles. Enjoy!
