A Sailor’s Life for Me!
Text by Richard Platt
Illustrated by Stephen Biesty
USS Constitution Museum, 2012
Suitable for: Ages 7-12
Themes/Topics: Nautical history, shipboard life, USS Constitution, War of 1812
Opening/Synopsis: An enjoyable and informative journey into US history, A Sailor’s Life for Me introduces life aboard a naval ship - the USS Constitution - during the war of 1812. Known affectionately as “Old Ironsides” the USS Constitution earned deep respect of Americans for her victories against the largest navy in the world.
The book is divided into sections such as “Meet Your Shipmates” which describes different jobs on the ship and the men needed to do them. “All Hands on Deck” gives an overview of ship activities through the day from tying knots to cooking a meal. Hungry for dandyfunk anyone? Grab a ship biscuit, lard and molasses and meet me by the camboose!
Activities: An incredible array of hands-on activities are featured in the book with clear instructions and helpful diagrams. Our favorites were making a mock sextant, tying knots like the clove hitch and sheet bend, and folding paper boats.
Accompanying the book is an impressive multimedia website through which you can live the life of a virtual shipmate as you scrub the deck, haul on lines, steer the ship, and tell tall tales. Earn points to be promoted (or demoted) from the rank of ‘boy’ to becoming the captain! There are puzzles and printouts galore to supplement the online activities.
Coming to Boston? Plan a visit to the USS Constitution Museum and you can tour the actual ship! First launched in 1797, Old Ironsides is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. There are many special events to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.
Why I Like This Book: No young reader could resist history when presented in such tasty tidbits! Presented in a simplified graphic novel-style, the illustrations are detailed but not overwhelming. There is a nice blend of fact and fiction through a mix of authentic historical documents, clips from the interactive website and speech bubbles from ship characters. This is a great picture book for slightly older readers with challenging vocabulary and some mature themes.
For more fantastic picture books and resources please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books.
They make sextants?! I am shocked! Won’t anyone think of the children?
Ahem. I’ll see myself out.
Family friendly here, Mr. Allegra!
1590–1600; < Latin sextant- (stem of sextāns ) sixth part of a unit.
I was about to say I’m loving the non-fic selection today, but I’m so distracted by Mike’s comment lol.
He’s a rabble-rouser all right! Thanks Catherine.
And I’m definitely rabble lol.
Of the best sort!
Catherine was not only distracted by this comment stream, she was also inspired! To read the wonderful poem that she penned, please visit her blog post.
Love the insights into life aboard and the cool activities included. The interactive website looks super fun.
I was surprised at my 9 yr old daughter’s enthusiasm for the book AND the website, which is extremely fun and user friendly. Take a peek!
This book sounds so rich with information in its format. It looks like the iPad game may be free, so I’ll check that out today as we’ll miss storytime due to my coughing.
Feel better soon Stacy!
What a totally cool book, Cathy! It sounds so much fun, and so interesting, and all those resources! I would like to come to Boston and visit the actual ship. I love books that make non-fiction fun. Thanks so much for adding this one to our list!
I think this book will appeal to many landlubbers! Happy to add it to PPBF.
This sounds like fun!
Yo ho ho JRZ!
Great pick! I saw the USS Constitution as a child. Like that someone wrote a book about life on the ship as it will surely gain the interest of children learning about it in school. I reviewed the website and it is packed with activities. I especially loved the video.
My fourth grader will walk the Freedom Trail in Boston as part of her social studies curriculum this spring, so I thought this would be a fun introduction for her. It was! Did you enjoy seeing Old Ironsides?
Yes, but my memories are vague. Having a sory to read would have helped. I was about your daughter’s age.
I love non fiction books! This one would make learning fun.
The website is fun too Janet! I think kids will appreciate that tie-in to a nonfiction book.
I always forget about the Constitution museum but really need to get over there. I don’t think I’ve been since I was in middle school. This sounds like a a great NF book, Cathy! Have you ever watched when they turn it around?
I haven’t watched it turn around, but I do know that you can enter a lottery for a ticket to actually RIDE when they make the annual turn. Wouldn’t that be grand?
I’m just here for the dandyfunk.
I especially thought of you when I added that line, Jama!
Mmmm….tasty??
what’s dandyfunk? Sorry for my ignorance. This is an interesting book. Obviously one I could learn a thing or two from. Off to check out the website. Thanks Cathy.
Hope you are not coming down with what I have Stacy!
I had never heard of dandyfunk before either Diane! Apparently it was a dessert or treat made by crushing an appalling hard and tasteless ship biscuit, mixing it with lard and molasses, and baking it on a tiny stove or ‘camboose.’ The recipe is included in the book if you’d like to try it!
This looks fantastic. I know nothing about tying knots although I have always been interested. Definitely taking a peek!
Knot-tying was definitely challenging for me! I’m knot (I mean NOT) spatially gifted, for sure. Many other fun activities too!
I love the cover! This sounds like a cool book that kids can learn a lot from. I’d love to visit the USS Constitution!
I think you’d enjoy touring the ship and walking the Freedom Trail Erik. So much to do in Boston!
Thanks for stopping by!
Do dogs get to go to sea too?! I’m ready to jump on board! This looks like a great book! I’ll have to check it out!
Indeed! The dog aboard the USS Constitution was named Guerriere, and in February 1815 he began barking wildly at the horizon. Soon a Portuguese ship appeared – which was friendly – but Guerierre’s bark had alerted the crew!
Yay! for Guierriere!!
Growing up in the landlocked state of Iowa, I have no cultural references for ships – other than through literature. Actually, Tennessee is not much better. I’m just on opposite sides of the Mississippi. I appreciate your pointing this out.
Diane – I’ve spent very little time in ‘landlocked’ states like Iowa, but there I also find a vastness of sky that is not dissimilar to being near or on the ocean. We are small on this Earth, and appreciating aspects of the physical world around and above us can certain drive that point home!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I actually thought about mentioning something to Lee about Captcha– I think I disabled mine but am never sure. They are very hard to read and not necessary if you moderate comments. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Well, I’ve never heard of a dandyfunk, either. But…this was a dandy AND funky(in a good way) review! The book sounds really interesting.
Penny, I’m fairly sure there’s a good reason that the recipe for dandyfunk is nearly extinct! I will not be serving it at any dinner parties, that’s for sure.
Looks great and I think I live near the USS Constitution. It’s in Boston?! What a fun way to learn history!
Technically Charlestown, but that’s splitting hairs right? Explore the interactive website for a bit, and I’ll bet your kids will be begging you to hop on the T and visit!
Thanks for dropping by Mia. Your blog is sensational!
What a wonderful way to introduce history.
I agree! One of my favorite sections of the library and bookstore.
I know the perfect kid for this book!
That’s wonderful! I’m so happy that you found this review!
Interesting that the book has a website with such extras. I haven’t seen that much in my travels, other than with series.
So many extras – I almost wonder which came first. The book or the site? Both are wonderful!