Calvin Coconut: Man Trip

Children's Literature - Susan Treadway M.Ed.

Calvin's adventures launch him toward an unexpected milestone during a deep-sea fishing trip to the Big Island of Hawaii with a close family friend. Ledward is his mom's boyfriend, Baja Bill owns the fishing boat Kakalina, and Calvin has never before flown on a plane. Throughout the story, readers are transported along with Calvin and given additional information about related topics for better context. Calvin's experiences become what the reader explores as well, even so-called ordinary problems at school (like girls). However, this most important day is unlike any other thus far; it becomes a Man Trip. After several other fish were wrangled and released, a giant marlin is caught during a tough struggle, and yet suddenly released much to Calvin's amazement. Calvin's intriguing discovery about the value of preserving nature leads to the unthinkable as well, at least in his mind. Can he really tag a nine-hundred-pound fish by himself? Successfully maneuvering through that very process made all the difference with guidance from Baja Bill and Ledward. Calvin actually becomes a real fisherman and helps to collect needed data used to study ocean life. He might have even found his life's dream. More Calvin Coconut stories in Hawaii are Trouble Magnet, The Zippy Fix, Dog Heaven, and Zoo Breath. They are a fun, quick reads for youngsters, especially since his world is interwoven with caring adults, energetic curiosity, and amazing surprises. Reviewer: Susan Treadway, M.Ed.