The Mutiny on the Bounty

The mutiny on the ship Bounty, is one of the great adventure stories. The events surrounding the mutiny have inspired a number of great movies and countless books. There is a lot of history in this story. A children's version must include a lot more historical detail than one usually finds in comparable children's books. Patrick O'Brien does a fine job of retelling the story. However, what makes this book special are the illustrations. Naval illustration is one of the more difficult areas of book illustration. It requires a great attention to detail to make these sailing ships come alive. O'Brien is a skilled illustrator and does a first rate job. The Mutiny on the Bounty is a classic story and this book will serve as a wonderful introduction for any child.

This beautifully wrought version of the tale of mutiny on the high seas blurs the distinction between picture book and graphic novel, creating a masterpiece of juvenile fiction that will bring drama, history, and adventure to even the most reluctant readers. This book, along with O'Brien's The Great Ships, would be an excellent addition to elementary libraries and classrooms