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Come Again, Pelican

A delightful tale of friendship and nature's wonders

Don Freeman author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Plough Publishing House

Published:23rd May '24

Should be back in stock very soon

Come Again, Pelican cover

A young boy's summer camping trip leads to unexpected adventures and a joyful exchange with a pelican in Come Again, Pelican.

In Come Again, Pelican, the story unfolds through the eyes of a young boy named Ty, who eagerly anticipates his family's annual camping trip. Each summer, they settle in their trailer at a picturesque location on the white sand dunes by the ocean. This cherished tradition is marked by the presence of a familiar pelican, who has become a symbol of friendship and connection with nature. As Ty dons his bright red wading boots and grabs his fishing pole, he is filled with excitement to reunite with his feathered friend.

As the day progresses, Ty's father reminds him to take care of his new boots, but the adventures that await are unpredictable. The tide shifts gently, and with it, both Ty and the pelican experience unexpected surprises. Their day is filled with joy as they exchange their catches, creating a delightful bond that transcends species. The story beautifully captures the essence of childhood curiosity and the magic of nature.

The illustrations in Come Again, Pelican are a feast for the eyes, showcasing the vibrant colors of the sky, sand, and sea. Each page is filled with light and space, enhancing the narrative of Ty's adventurous afternoon. This picture book is not just a tale of friendship; it is a celebration of the natural world and the simple joys found within it.

An author and illustrator of many delightful books here presents one of the most lucid pictures of the ocean's tidal movements and their effect on one little fisherman. In the company of a friendly pelican who demonstrates his own skill as a fisherman, Ty parks his boots on shore and himself on a pole and waits for a bite. As the tide rolls in, it carries the red boots out and Ty with hook, line, and sinker retrieves one, enclosing a perfect fish. But the trick of the day is performed by the pelican, for as the tide rolls out and Ty walks back to his trailer, the delightful bird perched on a dune opens its mouth and returns to him the other boot. —Kirkus Reviews
A small boy takes fishing lessons from a pelican on a wind-swept beach. His first fish, caught by accident in one of his new red boots, goes to the teacher as a reward for retrieving the other lost boot. The story, told with simplicity, humor, and originality, and the illustrations make the perfect blend of text and art that distinguishes a true picture book. The changing pattern of light on sky and water from early morning until night is caught in some of Mr. Freeman’s loveliest pictures. Excellent. —Library Journal
The simplicity of the story lends itself to a bedtime or naptime read.  It is a treasure that I can imagine kids will want to listen to numerous times. First published in 1961, this story holds its own.  It is not dated by either story or illustrations. —Youth Services Book Review
The colored pencil lines and bright, warm colors of the vintage illustrations ensure that this picture book honors a love of the sea. Ty has summered on the same beach with his family for years but never caught a fish. Following the lead of a beach mainstay, an old pelican, Ty learns about fishing, the tides, and the importance of paying attention. The illustrations beautifully capture a day at the beach, from the pale pink of dawn to the wine red of dusk. —Foreword Reviews
Freeman captures the wonder of children and their innocent natures, trying so hard to do good. The colorful illustrations are wonderful. —Kiss the Book Jr.

Freeman’s simple colored pencil illustrations are full of excitement and action, with a retro feel that will delight adults, too. Worth savoring for its clever storytelling and understated reflection on God’s creation. WORLD Magazine


Sometimes it’s a breath of fresh air to read a book that understands the uncomplicated wonder of being a child. That’s what we found in Come Again, Pelican. —Current Review

ISBN: 9781636080888

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

44 pages