Tim To The Rescue
Author and Illustrator: Edward Ardizzone
Reading: Stephen Fry
Buy – Tim to the Rescue
Little Tim is an adventurous child who longs for a life at sea.
Bored by a long morning of self directed sums and lessons, Tim is delighted when a knock at the door brings an invitation from his old friend Captain McFee.
Children may be surprised that a boy of his age might be allowed to go to sea at all, but Tim is a child from an era where becoming responsible and learning a trade from a young age was not so strange.
Filled with energy and drama, black and white etchings add a comic book edge to this fast moving tale which was first published in 1949.
On board Tim stands his ground when the first ship’s boy Ginger, attempts to bully him.
He earns respect and a place among the crew.
Ginger is however a lazy and mischievous boy and after helping himself to the Third Mate’s hair growing potions, finds himself wearing the results of his terrible mischief.
No matter how many times they cut it, his hair won’t stop growing!
When a huge storm hits, Tim saves Ginger’s life through his brave, yet risky actions.
In a nail biting climax both lads and the ship’s cat are rescued by the tremendous courage of Alaska Pete (love that name) and Old Joe.
With old world charm, there’s hot cocoa to go round, a medal for Tim from the Royal Humane Society, rewards and even a bit of loud cheering!
The harsher realities of life at sea are tempered with the positive values of courage, kindness, politeness and doing what is right, important themes which are addressed light heartedly.
LISTEN TO THIS STORY – Free bonus!
Edward Ardizzone’s stories are skilfully read by English comedian, actor, writer, presenter and activist, Stephen Fry. You can use the QR code at the back of the book to live-stream an audio recording of this book on your phone or tablet!
Tim to the Rescue is one of my favourites in the charming, “Little Tim” series.
I recently enjoyed this story with a six year old boy, who’s seen more movies than been read books. Following the pages, we listened to the Stephen Fry reading and then a second volume before it was lights out!
Most enjoyable!
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Book Details
- Age Range: 4 – 7 years
- Hardcover: 56 pages
- Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
- Publication Date: Reissue edition March 2015
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1847806309
- ISBN-13: 978-1847806307