10/13/08

Title: The Wreck of the Zephyr
Author: Chris van Allsburg
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
Publication Date: 1983
Genre: Fantasy, Picture Book
Audience: Gr. 3, 4, 5

Overview: Yet another stellar creation from Chris van Allsburg. In this adventurous tale, we follow the story of an old man, in which a young boy gets stranded on an island when his boat, The Zehpyr, crashes. Incredibly, the boat begins to fly. The incredible illustrations by van Allsburg make every reader feel as if they are a part of this journey. Will the boy return home safely on his flying boat? Read and find out!

Activity: Have the students create their own boat out of construction paper. Then, have them name the boat and write about an adventure they took on their boat. Hang them all up on a bulletin board made to look like the sky.

Reviewer’s Name: Sarah Keister