Tugboats

Children's Literature - Ru Story-Huffman

Tugboats play an important role in our world. Tugs steer barges down the river, guide large ships into port, and clear the frozen waterways in winter. If it weren't for tugboats, ocean-going vessels would not be able to make deliveries to the world. Maass traveled with tugboat crews to gather information and his bright, clear photos and informative text introduce children to not only the boats, but also to those who work on them. It's a good choice for upper elementary aged children who are studying transportation or careers, and also would be an interesting read aloud choice.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3Similar in treatment to Timothy Burke's Tugboats in Action (Whitman, 1993), this book begins by explaining the reason tugboats are needed, with additional information describing various types of tugs. Large, eye-catching, full-color photographs show how the boats are used, from pushing and pulling loads to salvage-and-rescue to ice-breaking. Throughout the clearly written text, information about the boats and crews (captains, pilots, mates, engineers, and deckhands) and unique operations is presented with appropriate pictures. One shot exposes a tug out of water with a good view of the wheelhouse and the rubber tires (bumpers) that encircle its edge, giving it its unique look and ability to perform special work. A useful addition on a popular subject.Marsha McGrath, Clearwater Public Library, FL

Kirkus Reviews

Children will be delighted by the full-color photographs of many different tugboats—"the best-known and best-loved workboats of the water"—in this work from Maass (When Winter Comes, 1993, etc.). It's an eye-opening introduction to these naval workhorses with spreads of tugs hauling cargo, pushing barges, and breaking ice. Numerous shots of crews working on deck, tending the engine, and cooking dinner add a human dimension, albeit an exclusively male one. Still, Maass's explanation of such terms as headline, wheelhouse, and docking pilot should make preschoolers feel as salty as Popeye, and eager to hoist anchor.