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Time of Wonder facts for kids

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Time of Wonder
CM time of wonder.jpg
Author Robert McCloskey
Illustrator Robert McCloskey
Country United States
Genre Children's picture book
Publisher Viking Press
Publication date
1957
ISBN 0-14-050201-7
OCLC 2968809
[E]
LC Class PZ7.M1336 Ti 1977

Time of Wonder is a children's book from 1957. It was written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey. This book won the famous Caldecott Medal in 1958.

The story is about a family's summer on an island in Maine. This island overlooks Penobscot Bay. The book uses bright pictures and simple, rhyming words. It describes many things. These include rain, gulls, and foggy mornings. It also shows the fun of sailing. The quiet of the night is captured too. Even the sudden fear of a hurricane is part of the story. This was McCloskey's second Caldecott Medal. His first was for Make Way for Ducklings in 1942. Time of Wonder was also made into an audiobook. Tracy Lord narrated the audiobook version.

About the Book

The cover of Time of Wonder shows two girls. They are sailing on a small boat. They look like they are enjoying the sea. The book has 63 pages. It has short text and many pictures. It was first made for younger children. However, its story appeals to all ages.

The book brings childhood adventures to life. It tells about a family's summer trip. They stay on an island off the coast of Maine. Robert McCloskey's drawings are special. They help us see his own memories. They show his experiences of the island.

What the Story is About

This book tells about a family's summer vacation. They are in Penobscot Bay, near Maine Island. A young girl tells the story. She sees every day as a big adventure. She is amazed by nature's power.

She spends her time exploring the island. She lives in the moment. Rocks magically become a castle for her. She keeps exploring, even under the sea. There, she finds amazing worlds and animals. These are things people often miss.

The girl describes Maine Island as a magical place. At night, the stars look like eyes watching her. She plays with her sister and their dog. They enjoy the morning fog. They love the smell of the grass. They also feel the strong wind of a hurricane. The storm destroys things in its path. But after the storm, everything becomes calm again.

At the end of her island time, she is ready. She will return to the big city with her family. She is ready to face her routine again. In McCloskey's illustrations, the girl is always happy. She is always playing and exploring her surroundings.

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