Hudson

August 9, 2010
Weaver's account of Henry Hudson sheds light on the life of this elusive explorer. From the icy Arctic Circle to the coast of North America, Hudson fended off disaster to make discoveries that would affect mankind for generations. Historical images and Craig's original oil paintings immerse readers in the landscapes of the period, while sidebars provide further information on relevant topics like navigation, scurvy, and whaling. Readers will be tantalized by the mysterious conclusion (Hudson was never seen again after his crew mutinied) to this engrossing true tale. Ages 8–12.

August 15, 2010
The complex story of explorer Henry Hudson, who, when remembered at all, is known more for his temper, favoritism and failed expeditions than anything else. Weaver acknowledges his flaws but argues that he was also a courageous, tireless and misunderstood figure who helped further our understanding of the world and the accurate mapping of North America. Not much is known beyond the records kept during 1607-1611, when Hudson first set out to discover a northern passage to Asia. This culminated in a fourth and final voyage in what is now called Hudson Bay, where he was cut loose from his desperate and starving crew. The author draws upon those records and other primary-source material to craft this account. This work will particularly appeal to youth who live near the bodies of water named for him (the Hudson River, Bay and Strait), but the author packs in enough dramatic tidbits to keep any young history buff's attention, including sidebars on such related topics as navigation, whaling and scurvy. Craig's poignant illustrations evoke 17th-century style. (historic sites, suggested reading, index) (Biography. 10-14)

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September 1, 2010

Gr 3-6-In Weaver's take on this oft-celebrated explorer, Hudson is portrayed as merely a human being, with positive and negative characteristics; his dogged determination to find a water passage to Asia, despite constant failure, is both admirable and quixotic. The author gives enough detail to bring the story to life without overloading children with information, a downfall all too common in other books about Hudson. She emphasizes the bits of the story with the most kid appeal-harsh living conditions on the ships, battles with Native Americans, and the mutinous crew that eventually abandoned Hudson and his supporters. This book is also visually engaging: Craig's original, full-page paintings are vibrantly hued, and the print is well laid out on white or pale earth-toned pages. The most similar book, Jean Elizabeth Goodman's Beyond the Sea of Ice: The Voyages of Henry Hudson (Mikaya, 1999), has more content but an excruciatingly unreadable font and layout. Where it excels is with its simple but adequately labeled foldout map, with which readers can follow Hudson's expeditions; the only map in Hudson is in the front of the book and only the continents are labeled. Its compelling text and beautiful paintings still make for a good read, but the lack of a practical map dulls its shine.-Rebecca Dash, New York Public Library

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 1, 2010
Grades 3-6 *Starred Review* Failure is not usually at the heart of an exciting adventure story, but this dramatic picture-book biography about Henry Hudson, who discovered neither the new land nor the passage to Asia he sought, makes the explorers lack of success a gripping read. The text even states that Hudson was at least partly to blame for all the trouble on his ships, which led his crew to mutiny and set him adrift, never to be seen again. At the same time, Weaver emphasizes that in pushing through the strait and into the great bay that both now bear his name, Hudson helped draw the map of North America and advanced our understanding of the world. Throughout, Weaver is clear about what is fact and what is supposition, and the tumultuous early-seventeenth-century history is meticulously documented, while text boxes discuss related subjects such as scurvy, the whaling industry, the struggle to find a quicker route to the riches of the Far East, and Hudsons journal accounts of his mainly friendly encounters with Native Americans. Craigs glowing period portraits, landscapes, and watercolors of the ship in dangerous seas intensify the drama, and archival prints and maps add interest. An appended reference section leads to accessible online resources for students who want to dive further into the explorers life story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)