134. Beachcomber Boy

Beachcomber Boy
written and illustrated by Eleanor Frances Lattimore

Pages: 124
Finished: July 30, 2008
First Published: 1960
Genre: children's realistic fiction
Rating: 3.5/5

Reason for Reading: The author is one of my favourite childhood authors and I am trying to find, read and review as many of her books as I can locate since she has become forgotten to this generation. Dh read this to the 8yo for bedtime read-aloud.

First sentence:

Barry was a boy who liked long words.

Comments: Set along the South Carolina shore during the months of fall and winter, this is the story of a little boy named Barry who wants to be a beachcomber. He and his sister are the only children living in the cottages along Logan Beach all year round until the Robertson boys arrive and move into a cottage further down the beach. Along with the episodic adventures of the boys along the beach is the continuing mystery story of a bottle that washes ashore with the message "out of coffee" inside. At the end Barry meets a real beachcomber and his ideas about his future aspirations are challenged.

Another winning book from Ms. Lattimore! This sweet, simple story tells of a carefree childhood and a time when children could wander around and have adventures on their own. I loved the story and thought it was simply delightful. The 8yo really enjoyed the story and talked all week about shells, driftwood, whales, and the twists and turns of the mystery as it progressed.

Lattimore illustrated her own books and this has the simple line drawings I've come to admire from her. This book is long out of print and worth tracking down if you are looking for wholesome books for your younger children.