Tim in Danger

Edward Ardizzone is skilled at describing children's adventures that are harrowing, exciting, and original. Tim is a nice boy and a loyal friend. He lives a comforting, cozy English daily life in a seacost town - and also has amazing adventures. Modern kids aren't awfully familiar with life at sea, and certainly no one my children knew could set out into the world in order to search for a friend who had left home. Ardizzone's locales and situations manage to seem exotic, yet totally reasonable. We were pulled into this story. The plot is complex enough, the action is convincing and, as usual with Ardizzone, the denouement is pleasing without being Milquetoast. The story can withstand repeated readings, which is a nice plus, since your child might want to hear it repeatedly. In addition the pen and ink drawings, with watercolor wash, are a constant treat for adults and kids.