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By the Great Horn Spoon!
For fans of the I Survived series, this classic rollicking adventure about the California Gold Rush and one determined twelve-year-old has sold nearly a million copies!
When Jack's aunt is forced to sell her beloved mansion but is still unable to raise enough money to pay her debts, the twelve-year-old goes to California in search of gold to help her. Joined by his trusty butler, Praiseworthy, Jack finds adventure and trouble at every turn. Will Jack strike gold in San Francisco or come home empty-handed?
When Jack's aunt is forced to sell her beloved mansion but is still unable to raise enough money to pay her debts, the twelve-year-old goes to California in search of gold to help her. Joined by his trusty butler, Praiseworthy, Jack finds adventure and trouble at every turn. Will Jack strike gold in San Francisco or come home empty-handed?
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1963
141 people are currently reading
3494 people want to read
About the author
Sid Fleischman
101 books149 followersAs a children's book author Sid Fleischman felt a special obligation to his readers. "The books we enjoy as children stay with us forever -- they have a special impact. Paragraph after paragraph and page after page, the author must deliver his or her best work." With almost 60 books to his credit, some of which have been made into motion pictures, Sid Fleischman can be assured that his work will make a special impact.
Sid Fleischman wrote his books at a huge table cluttered with projects: story ideas, library books, research, letters, notes, pens, pencils, and a computer. He lived in an old-fashioned, two-story house full of creaks and character, and enjoys hearing the sound of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Fleischman passed away after a battle with cancer on March 17, 2010, the day after his ninetieth birthday.
He was the father of Newbery Medal winning writer and poet Paul Fleischman, author of Joyful Noise; they are the only father and son to receive Newbery awards.
Sid Fleischman wrote his books at a huge table cluttered with projects: story ideas, library books, research, letters, notes, pens, pencils, and a computer. He lived in an old-fashioned, two-story house full of creaks and character, and enjoys hearing the sound of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Fleischman passed away after a battle with cancer on March 17, 2010, the day after his ninetieth birthday.
He was the father of Newbery Medal winning writer and poet Paul Fleischman, author of Joyful Noise; they are the only father and son to receive Newbery awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 851 reviews
September 12, 2023
This book is definitely going on my recommendations list!
You can't go wrong with a story when you put these elements together - you know it will spell comedic adventure for sure! 1) A morally upstanding tween boy who runs away in order to save his Aunt from having to sell her mansion. 2) A sophisticated butler who goes along with him, who is of course named Praiseworthy, and who always dons a proper top hat and walks with a gentleman's cane. 3) Put them, of all places, in the Wild West, specifically California for the Gold Rush, where they'll stick out like a sore thumb and 4) mix in their unlucky luckiness to jump from one rollicking escapade to the next!
Don't be surprised that you can't figure out how it ends. It would be pretty difficult to determine, given every stroke of luck isn't so lucky and every unlucky stroke is pure, hilarious fortune!
You and your family will enjoy this fun tale! Guaranteed.
Ages: 6+
Content Considerations: A man smokes a cigar. Mentions men going into saloons and drinking.
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So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
You can't go wrong with a story when you put these elements together - you know it will spell comedic adventure for sure! 1) A morally upstanding tween boy who runs away in order to save his Aunt from having to sell her mansion. 2) A sophisticated butler who goes along with him, who is of course named Praiseworthy, and who always dons a proper top hat and walks with a gentleman's cane. 3) Put them, of all places, in the Wild West, specifically California for the Gold Rush, where they'll stick out like a sore thumb and 4) mix in their unlucky luckiness to jump from one rollicking escapade to the next!
Don't be surprised that you can't figure out how it ends. It would be pretty difficult to determine, given every stroke of luck isn't so lucky and every unlucky stroke is pure, hilarious fortune!
You and your family will enjoy this fun tale! Guaranteed.
Ages: 6+
Content Considerations: A man smokes a cigar. Mentions men going into saloons and drinking.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
November 17, 2020
I loved this book so much!!!! I'm in awe of the author's masterful skill with clever and entertaining humor; flawless, complex plot; vivid, colorful, crisp writing; lifelike setting and characters; rich, realistic and natural historical detail; hilarious action sequences; and compelling, well-developed characters. This is a tale full of engaging adventure and laugh-out-loud wit, and I felt like I was right there with the tenacious heroes through each obstacle and victory.
Jack and Praiseworthy are such an amazing duo of main characters, both individually and in their loyal partnership. Jack is such a sweet, spirited, cheerful, resourceful, brave, and relatable young boy, and I love him so much. And Praiseworthy is amazing in every way! (Except maybe the cigars, but he knows that already, and they're funny!) To name a few of the things I love about him, I love how capable, confident, courageous, caring, kind, and clever he is. (Accidental alliteration, my goodness!) And he's humble and refined and intelligent and tough and unflappable. Also, it doesn't hurt that he's tall and handsome and even more "striking" as a miner than as a butler - to describe him with the same word as a certain character uses. But good looks are nothing without good character qualities, and he has both in abundance. It was so fun to watch the gradual transformation of his appearance and lifestyle, piece by piece.
And I adore the relationship between Jack and Praiseworthy. I love how Praiseworthy looks out for and takes care of Jack. I love how Jack looks up to him and relies on him. And I love how the two of them stick together through all the ups and downs, and work together as a team to overcome every challenge and solve every problem. The progression if their relationship is wonderful - from master and devoted butler, to steadfast partners, and maybe someday to something more that Jack has always wished for. It warms my heart to see how Praiseworthy fills in for orphaned, lonely Jack's father, and how another character mistook them for father and son - to the delight of both Jack and me.
Both Jack and Praiseworthy had amazing character development and character arcs. From the first moment, they leaped off the page and seemed so real and immediate. I loved watching their transformation over the course of their adventure. And as a writer in particular, I was awed by the way the author brought them through the ups and downs of pursuing, winning, and losing the goal they aimed for above all else - and finding against their will that what they thought they wanted most wasn't what they actually wanted and needed in the end.
In addition to the characters, the plot was so well-developed and masterful as well! It was so simple yet so smoothly complex. Every thread and subplot and seemingly insignificant detail flowed together seamlessly and became essential to the main plot and the climactic end of the story. I was amazed at how each detail and character played a role, even though I would not have predicted it. And the plot was quite twisty and involved many unexpected turns that surprised me. Sometimes things happened opposite to what I would expect, but each time it was so perfect for the story!
The ending was so perfect!!!!!!! I loved it so much!!!! I won't say much more than that, except it hit on the beautiful and heartfelt theme of family, probably my very favorite thing to read about.
One of my favorite things about this book was another relationship, in addition to that of the main duo.
I first read this book as a teenager when my mom got it for my youngest brother, and I enjoyed it highly even though I was above the target age for the book. Good children's books are good no matter one's age. Since then, I remembered it finally a very good book, and I still remembered the basics of the ending even now. Recently, one of my best friends encouraged me to try her favorite book by the same author, Jingo Django, which I'd never read before, and I loved it. I knew I had to read this one again too, and I even got my little sister to listen to the audiobook of By the Great Horn Spoon while I reread it myself! It's been such a fun experience, and while I liked it very much my first time, I absolutely loved it upon rereading it and appreciating it fully. I'm raising my rating from 4 stars to 5 stars, and By the Great Horn Spoon, is now ranked among my favorite books. Jingo Django is equally amazing and receives equal regard for me - I couldn't choose one over the other if I tried.
Content: This book is appropriate for middle grade readers (aged about 8-13) and up, and though it's written for that age, it can be enjoyed equally well by teens and adults. There's some mild, tame violence, limited to things like a bloodless and humourous stagecoach robbery, a man getting walloped in a fistfight, and someone being bucked from a mule, all of which are funny rather than scary even for a very young reader. The only true content concern I would have for a young child is that the book contains references to hanging and undertaking. It's written so subtly that if a child does not know what the term hanging means, the word and its convoluted euphemisms are guaranteed to go straight over his or her head. There's one scene in which a notorious thief and acquaintance of the main characters One other detail is that the adult male hero begins smoking cigars, and admits later on that it's a bad habit.
I highly, highly recommend this book to all individuals of all ages, especial those who enjoy adventure or historical fiction. The author's commitment to writing quality, engaging books for a juvenile fiction audience is on full display here, and it is just as good for older readers and adults. I first read it as a teen, and I reread it now as an adult, and I enjoyed it highly both times, as did my younger siblings in the target age group.
By the Great Horn Spoon! is a hilarious, heartwarming historical adventure for all ages. Its fabulous writing and its compelling story and characters will take the reader on an exciting and unpredictable journey through faraway times and places, bringing them to life.
Jack and Praiseworthy are such an amazing duo of main characters, both individually and in their loyal partnership. Jack is such a sweet, spirited, cheerful, resourceful, brave, and relatable young boy, and I love him so much. And Praiseworthy is amazing in every way! (Except maybe the cigars, but he knows that already, and they're funny!) To name a few of the things I love about him, I love how capable, confident, courageous, caring, kind, and clever he is. (Accidental alliteration, my goodness!) And he's humble and refined and intelligent and tough and unflappable. Also, it doesn't hurt that he's tall and handsome and even more "striking" as a miner than as a butler - to describe him with the same word as a certain character uses. But good looks are nothing without good character qualities, and he has both in abundance. It was so fun to watch the gradual transformation of his appearance and lifestyle, piece by piece.
And I adore the relationship between Jack and Praiseworthy. I love how Praiseworthy looks out for and takes care of Jack. I love how Jack looks up to him and relies on him. And I love how the two of them stick together through all the ups and downs, and work together as a team to overcome every challenge and solve every problem. The progression if their relationship is wonderful - from master and devoted butler, to steadfast partners, and maybe someday to something more that Jack has always wished for. It warms my heart to see how Praiseworthy fills in for orphaned, lonely Jack's father, and how another character mistook them for father and son - to the delight of both Jack and me.
Both Jack and Praiseworthy had amazing character development and character arcs. From the first moment, they leaped off the page and seemed so real and immediate. I loved watching their transformation over the course of their adventure. And as a writer in particular, I was awed by the way the author brought them through the ups and downs of pursuing, winning, and losing the goal they aimed for above all else - and finding against their will that what they thought they wanted most wasn't what they actually wanted and needed in the end.
In addition to the characters, the plot was so well-developed and masterful as well! It was so simple yet so smoothly complex. Every thread and subplot and seemingly insignificant detail flowed together seamlessly and became essential to the main plot and the climactic end of the story. I was amazed at how each detail and character played a role, even though I would not have predicted it. And the plot was quite twisty and involved many unexpected turns that surprised me. Sometimes things happened opposite to what I would expect, but each time it was so perfect for the story!
The ending was so perfect!!!!!!! I loved it so much!!!! I won't say much more than that, except it hit on the beautiful and heartfelt theme of family, probably my very favorite thing to read about.
One of my favorite things about this book was another relationship, in addition to that of the main duo.
I first read this book as a teenager when my mom got it for my youngest brother, and I enjoyed it highly even though I was above the target age for the book. Good children's books are good no matter one's age. Since then, I remembered it finally a very good book, and I still remembered the basics of the ending even now. Recently, one of my best friends encouraged me to try her favorite book by the same author, Jingo Django, which I'd never read before, and I loved it. I knew I had to read this one again too, and I even got my little sister to listen to the audiobook of By the Great Horn Spoon while I reread it myself! It's been such a fun experience, and while I liked it very much my first time, I absolutely loved it upon rereading it and appreciating it fully. I'm raising my rating from 4 stars to 5 stars, and By the Great Horn Spoon, is now ranked among my favorite books. Jingo Django is equally amazing and receives equal regard for me - I couldn't choose one over the other if I tried.
Content: This book is appropriate for middle grade readers (aged about 8-13) and up, and though it's written for that age, it can be enjoyed equally well by teens and adults. There's some mild, tame violence, limited to things like a bloodless and humourous stagecoach robbery, a man getting walloped in a fistfight, and someone being bucked from a mule, all of which are funny rather than scary even for a very young reader. The only true content concern I would have for a young child is that the book contains references to hanging and undertaking. It's written so subtly that if a child does not know what the term hanging means, the word and its convoluted euphemisms are guaranteed to go straight over his or her head. There's one scene in which a notorious thief and acquaintance of the main characters One other detail is that the adult male hero begins smoking cigars, and admits later on that it's a bad habit.
I highly, highly recommend this book to all individuals of all ages, especial those who enjoy adventure or historical fiction. The author's commitment to writing quality, engaging books for a juvenile fiction audience is on full display here, and it is just as good for older readers and adults. I first read it as a teen, and I reread it now as an adult, and I enjoyed it highly both times, as did my younger siblings in the target age group.
By the Great Horn Spoon! is a hilarious, heartwarming historical adventure for all ages. Its fabulous writing and its compelling story and characters will take the reader on an exciting and unpredictable journey through faraway times and places, bringing them to life.
December 5, 2018
I don't know how on earth you can combine serious history with laugh-out-loud humor and make it work, but this book pulled it off! And somehow, even though it came right to the brink of over-the-top, it never quite crossed that line. The very last scene, which was 100% believable, was also the one that made me laugh hardest!
Praiseworthy (oh, goodness, that name!) was an incredible character--and not always a predictable one! It was hard to tell sometimes whether his opinions were born out of understated brilliance or charming naivety--or both! And I loved the way he and Jack kept giving away credit for their own ideas. :)
Jack's young-boy perspective on everything was perfect, as was the way he clung to and looked up to Praiseworthy in everything. I'm still not quite sure why Praiseworthy approved the whole gold-hunting scheme in the first place, but everything worked out, so no real complaints. :D
4.5 stars
Content--smoking; several made-up expressions used in place of swearing; one use of the French "mon Dieu"; one use of "devils" to refer to Indians
Praiseworthy (oh, goodness, that name!) was an incredible character--and not always a predictable one! It was hard to tell sometimes whether his opinions were born out of understated brilliance or charming naivety--or both! And I loved the way he and Jack kept giving away credit for their own ideas. :)
Jack's young-boy perspective on everything was perfect, as was the way he clung to and looked up to Praiseworthy in everything. I'm still not quite sure why Praiseworthy approved the whole gold-hunting scheme in the first place, but everything worked out, so no real complaints. :D
4.5 stars
Content--smoking; several made-up expressions used in place of swearing; one use of the French "mon Dieu"; one use of "devils" to refer to Indians
August 18, 2023
Month of January 2022: Young Reader’s Classics
AR POINTS: 6.0 READING LEVEL: 5.1
(8-12 years, grade 3-7)
Originally published in 1963. Gave to my Hodge grandsons.
——————————
Super cute adventure novel, especially for young boys, that takes place in 1949 during the California gold rush. Jack and his two sisters live with their Aunt Arabella on account of their parent’s dying of cholera. She’s about to lose the house, so Jack decides to help. He heads out, with the family butler, Praiseworthy, on the vessel, Lady Wilma, to San Francisco by way of the treacherous Cape Horn.
Half the book is about Jack and Praiseworthy’s adventures out at sea. The other half is on their gold digging adventures as they earn the respect of the other miners and earn the nicknames Jamoka Jack and Bullwhip.
A very nostalgic read because it reads just as if you were watching one of those great oldie, but goodie, Disney movies back in the day.
BOOK-TO-MOVIE
“The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin” (1967), an American Western comedy produced by Disney, starring Roddy McDowall, Susanne Pleshette, Hermiine Baddeley and Karl Malden
AR POINTS: 6.0 READING LEVEL: 5.1
(8-12 years, grade 3-7)
Originally published in 1963. Gave to my Hodge grandsons.
——————————
Super cute adventure novel, especially for young boys, that takes place in 1949 during the California gold rush. Jack and his two sisters live with their Aunt Arabella on account of their parent’s dying of cholera. She’s about to lose the house, so Jack decides to help. He heads out, with the family butler, Praiseworthy, on the vessel, Lady Wilma, to San Francisco by way of the treacherous Cape Horn.
Half the book is about Jack and Praiseworthy’s adventures out at sea. The other half is on their gold digging adventures as they earn the respect of the other miners and earn the nicknames Jamoka Jack and Bullwhip.
A very nostalgic read because it reads just as if you were watching one of those great oldie, but goodie, Disney movies back in the day.
BOOK-TO-MOVIE
“The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin” (1967), an American Western comedy produced by Disney, starring Roddy McDowall, Susanne Pleshette, Hermiine Baddeley and Karl Malden
October 29, 2016
My son had to read this when he was in 5th grade and I read it at the same time. We both loved this. I think it was one of the best books he had to read in elementary school. They were learning about the California gold rush and this was a great depiction of that time.
November 7, 2024
This historical fiction for older kids is adventurous and funny. It features a couple of unlikely characters who travel to the California gold rush.
November 26, 2023
What a rollicking good adventure this is! It's a tall tale in the grand tradition of American storytelling, and I love it very much. It not only made me laugh aloud while rereading it this week, it even made me get tears in my eyes when I hit the very last three lines. Wonderful stuff.
May 25, 2009
Still a four...
May 15, 2019
5⭐️ for audiobook version. This was a delightful adventure with golden nuggets of virtue strewn throughout.
June 29, 2022
What a darling story! A smile worthy and satisfying read:) It was amusing as well at times..... Will certainly read more by this author.
January 16, 2023
Reading this now in 2023 brings back my vague memories of reading and enjoying it as a child. It was a good companion to the California history lessons I received as a young homeschooler—I remember taking field trips to mines or mining camp facades to "pan for gold" like they did in the old days. (Nevermind the fact that the main historic sites of the CA gold rush actually took place 500 miles north of where I grew up.)
It's a rather romantic view of the gold rush, seeing the world through a child's eye for adventure and new experiences. There is some thievery and loss, but it's easily overcome. The narrative mostly focuses on meeting new people and seeing new things, not on common discomforts. It leaves out most of the inconvenient elements of poverty, malnutrition, corruption, and those pesky details like worrying over where you're going to sleep that night. There's no descriptions of the terrible travel and working conditions people faced in the 1850's—the danger and drudgery of life in the mining camps or aboard ships sailing from east to west coast. The most we get are offhand comments about fleas.
But there's engaging characters, skilled writing, good values, much American spirit, and lots of frivolity. If you accept the rose-colored glasses, it's quite enjoyable.
It's a rather romantic view of the gold rush, seeing the world through a child's eye for adventure and new experiences. There is some thievery and loss, but it's easily overcome. The narrative mostly focuses on meeting new people and seeing new things, not on common discomforts. It leaves out most of the inconvenient elements of poverty, malnutrition, corruption, and those pesky details like worrying over where you're going to sleep that night. There's no descriptions of the terrible travel and working conditions people faced in the 1850's—the danger and drudgery of life in the mining camps or aboard ships sailing from east to west coast. The most we get are offhand comments about fleas.
But there's engaging characters, skilled writing, good values, much American spirit, and lots of frivolity. If you accept the rose-colored glasses, it's quite enjoyable.
September 30, 2022
What a delightful book! Young Master Jack is on a mission to earn enough money in California to keep his dear aunt in their family mansion, but first he has to get there!
I love to find children’s books that have persisted through a few years. This book is almost sixty years old, but it has aged not at all. Jack and his butler, Praiseworthy, have to use their wits in unknown territory. They face real problems, but Praiseworthy usually keeps tricks tucked up his white gloves.
Both the characters grow beyond their initial roles into people with broader experiences and expectations for themselves. My boy loved how Jack and Praiseworthy found ingenious solutions to their trials. I always appreciate when my kids don’t mind doing their assigned reading.
I love to find children’s books that have persisted through a few years. This book is almost sixty years old, but it has aged not at all. Jack and his butler, Praiseworthy, have to use their wits in unknown territory. They face real problems, but Praiseworthy usually keeps tricks tucked up his white gloves.
Both the characters grow beyond their initial roles into people with broader experiences and expectations for themselves. My boy loved how Jack and Praiseworthy found ingenious solutions to their trials. I always appreciate when my kids don’t mind doing their assigned reading.
July 3, 2017
Ah the sixties! Growing up in those days, television was full of cowboy series like Rawhide (with a very young Clint Eastwood), Bonanza, Gunsmoke and many more. Moving into the seventies, the trend was for "pioneer" series like Little House on the Prairie and Grizzly Adams. This book, written in 1963, fits nicely with that trend, and was one of the few my dyslexic brother bought and read voluntarily. I remember reading it when he first got it from Scholastic Book Services, and I also remember the 1967 Disney film.
Granted, the "English" butler talks like an American, saying things like "unless I miss my guess" instead of "Unless I'm much mistaken", but then of course Praiseworthy(!) has lived in the States for a long time. He's very much a scion of the immortal Jeeves--always with the solution to a problem at his fingertips, and always ready to give the credit to young Master Jack (!). Forget about learning anything to do with the actual Gold Rush, except perhaps that the Chinese really did move in and pick over the diggings after the claim holders had moved on, basically because they weren't allowed to file claims for themselves. Since temperatures are over 38ºC in my city today it was just what the doctor ordered to sit down for an hour or two in front of the AC and read this book again.
Granted, the "English" butler talks like an American, saying things like "unless I miss my guess" instead of "Unless I'm much mistaken", but then of course Praiseworthy(!) has lived in the States for a long time. He's very much a scion of the immortal Jeeves--always with the solution to a problem at his fingertips, and always ready to give the credit to young Master Jack (!). Forget about learning anything to do with the actual Gold Rush, except perhaps that the Chinese really did move in and pick over the diggings after the claim holders had moved on, basically because they weren't allowed to file claims for themselves. Since temperatures are over 38ºC in my city today it was just what the doctor ordered to sit down for an hour or two in front of the AC and read this book again.
February 21, 2020
Fantastic book about the California gold rush. This book has so many clever twists and turns and many good laughs! It fit perfectly in our history studies and kept the kids age 7-13 interested the entire time.
October 14, 2023
What a fun kids book about the gold rush! I really enjoyed this book and hopefully all the kids in my class will to. We’re doing it for kids book club:)
March 7, 2020
Cute and fun read aloud (or reader) for kids. Each chapter is a short story in itself but part of the overall story, making it great as a read aloud. Takes place during the California gold rush time and the journey of a young boy and his butler as they travel from Boston to California to strike it rich.
April 11, 2021
Just imagine a proper butler following his young "master" across the country to dig for gold during the great California Gold Rush. If you're anything like me, you're probably wondering how that could possibly make a good story.
Much to my surprise, it not only made a good story, it made an excellent story.
The more I've thought about it (I finished it last week) the more I love it.
Praiseworthy is the butler and he is absolutely one of the most delightful characters I've ever encountered. His young Master Jack, is quite likable as well. It's rare for me to encounter a book where none of the characters irritate me.
I loved the camaraderie among all the miners. All the people Praiseworthy and Jack encountered were unique and energetic. I found myself giggling at the situations they found themselves in and how they managed to extricate themselves. No matter what, though, they never gave up and they always looked out for each other and I think that's something important for all of us to remember.
I would definitely like to own this book and read it again.
BOB 3/4
Review #2 - February 2020
I felt like revisiting Praiseworthy and seeing if I enjoyed the story just as much.
I did.
It's just really fun and easy to read or listen to. The audio book was great. They have a full cast reading the different characters. I just love how the duo never gives up and everything works out for them. It's nice to read a book that is delightful and hopeful without being obvious and ridiculous.
PS: I did end up buying it at a book fair! I needed it! :D
Much to my surprise, it not only made a good story, it made an excellent story.
The more I've thought about it (I finished it last week) the more I love it.
Praiseworthy is the butler and he is absolutely one of the most delightful characters I've ever encountered. His young Master Jack, is quite likable as well. It's rare for me to encounter a book where none of the characters irritate me.
I loved the camaraderie among all the miners. All the people Praiseworthy and Jack encountered were unique and energetic. I found myself giggling at the situations they found themselves in and how they managed to extricate themselves. No matter what, though, they never gave up and they always looked out for each other and I think that's something important for all of us to remember.
I would definitely like to own this book and read it again.
BOB 3/4
Review #2 - February 2020
I felt like revisiting Praiseworthy and seeing if I enjoyed the story just as much.
I did.
It's just really fun and easy to read or listen to. The audio book was great. They have a full cast reading the different characters. I just love how the duo never gives up and everything works out for them. It's nice to read a book that is delightful and hopeful without being obvious and ridiculous.
PS: I did end up buying it at a book fair! I needed it! :D
May 22, 2016
I only read this book thanks to my fascination with the illustrator Noelle Stevenson and her revealing on Tumblr that this is one of her childhood favorites, and a kind of desert-island book. I didn't really start reading good children's literature until after high school, and even then I leaned towards the surreal/absurd (Daniel Pinkwater) or the emo/tragic (Jacqueline Woodson) or the sensitive/profound (could refer to Woodson, also Joan Bauer) but never was drawn to books that were simply FUN. This book is a lark. Set during the Gold Rush, with the irresistible combination of a plucky young boy and his idealized-father-figure butler as dual heroes, and a plot that gets the heroes in and out of jams with the prestidigitation of a master illusionist. Amazing. It was a book that my son (seven)loved as a read-aloud, and which my daughter (older, more sophisticated) professed little interest in but later confessed to wanting to read too.
January 8, 2012
This book is pure nostalgia for me. My 4th grade teacher read it to us when we were studying the California Gold Rush, and it's stuck with me ever since. My aunt and I visited Sutter's Mill this New Year's on the way to Nevada City because she had never been before. I've been thinking about revisiting By the Great Horn Spoon! for a while now, and it just so happened to be sitting on a book shelf in the visitor center's gift shop-- Hurrah!
The story. A Boston boy named Jack and his butler Praiseworthy seek fortune in California when Jack's Aunt Arabella can't afford to keep up the family estate anymore. Their journey is full of colorful characters, downright zany situations, plenty of educational knowledge, and many opportunities for Praiseworthy to save the day with his wits and nerve. The simple but artful line drawings peppered throughout the text only add to the fun.
The story. A Boston boy named Jack and his butler Praiseworthy seek fortune in California when Jack's Aunt Arabella can't afford to keep up the family estate anymore. Their journey is full of colorful characters, downright zany situations, plenty of educational knowledge, and many opportunities for Praiseworthy to save the day with his wits and nerve. The simple but artful line drawings peppered throughout the text only add to the fun.
April 19, 2019
We listened to the Audio Book version as a family. It was delightfully narrated and voice-acted.
This story gave a real sense for the adventure, futility and dangers of the gold rush days. The historical setting was really fun.
The writing was very balanced with enough details to educate you about the time it was set in, and plenty of story to make it come alive.
The character Praiseworthy was a delightful example of how to move forward when things don’t go your way. While not always realistic, it makes a helpful point: Don’t panic!
A wonderful story my kids are already asking to listen to again.
This story gave a real sense for the adventure, futility and dangers of the gold rush days. The historical setting was really fun.
The writing was very balanced with enough details to educate you about the time it was set in, and plenty of story to make it come alive.
The character Praiseworthy was a delightful example of how to move forward when things don’t go your way. While not always realistic, it makes a helpful point: Don’t panic!
A wonderful story my kids are already asking to listen to again.
June 23, 2008
Because California's fourth grade social studies standards focus on the state's history this has become a go-to novel for literature studies. That's a shame as this novel is a yawner, so dull I fear it may turn students off to both reading and history. With so many terrific books out there why use a mind-number simply because it has become the precedent?
March 6, 2012
Rollicking fun read-aloud filled with adventure. This book kept my kids begging for "more!" A great way to study history and learn about the California Gold Rush of '49. The main character, Praiseworthy, certainly lived up to his name. He was honest, responsible, resourceful, intelligent, and brave. I highly recommend, especially for boys.
January 26, 2020
1/25/2020 * 4.5 🌟
We read this as a family read-aloud years ago when our daughter was in the fourth grade and remembered we all liked it but had forgotten the details. This time I enjoyed both the story and this Full Cast Audio version from our library. It was excellent.
We read this as a family read-aloud years ago when our daughter was in the fourth grade and remembered we all liked it but had forgotten the details. This time I enjoyed both the story and this Full Cast Audio version from our library. It was excellent.
April 30, 2020
This was such a fun little read, and I can't wait to let the kids in on the fun. I listened to it on audio, which was done by Full Cast Audio. It was one of the best audio experiences I've had so far.
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November 18, 2015This was a fun one to read to my kids. Lots of giggles. As a bonus the author wrote with great voice.
May 14, 2019
We all loved this story of adventure, friendship, family and love. We didn't want our time with Praiseworthy and Jack to end. Praiseworthy is a new favorite character.
May 3, 2024
Read this one on one with Peter. Recommended to me after I was telling a friend we had finished a gold digging book and she asked if heard of this. I knew Sid Fleischman of course and we had read whipping boy but not this one. Oh goodness did Peter and I enjoy this so much. This Gold rush was in 1849 in California and Jack and his butler run off to strike at rich to help out his aunt from losing the house. It is full of mishaps and clever solutions each time from Jack and Praiseworthy the butler who becomes his partner and eventually like a father! My sister called it a tall tale and I do see aspects of that but more it was just crazy things happen to them and all works out… with the most unlikely of circumstances…. The grapes and spoiled potatoes or how they end up finding the gold. It was just rather fun and it fit the book how it all turned out to be and I just kept smiling because of their relationship and honestly I would love to be more level headed like Praiseworthy. Was delighted by the ending. It felt so right to be ending with a book where we were on a ship for much of it again since we started with Treasure Island.
January 25, 2019
Really enjoyable historical adventure for kids, featuring a plucky, wide eyed boy protagonist and his resourceful, indomitably hopeful butler. Highly episodic, which makes for good chapter by chapter bedtime reading, with clever plot surprises, fun characters, and a nicely realized historical setting.
Also nicely captures something of the spirit of the Gold Rush beyond mere naked greed (although there are plenty of characters motivated entirely by that); a kind of kids’ version of Frederick Jackson Turner’s frontier thesis—shedding the old world to make oneself anew in a wild place.
Picked this up at Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento, which is mentioned in the book. Worth visiting if you’re ever in northern California.
Also nicely captures something of the spirit of the Gold Rush beyond mere naked greed (although there are plenty of characters motivated entirely by that); a kind of kids’ version of Frederick Jackson Turner’s frontier thesis—shedding the old world to make oneself anew in a wild place.
Picked this up at Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento, which is mentioned in the book. Worth visiting if you’re ever in northern California.
February 6, 2023
#4 read aloud of the year - lots of unexpected twists and good laughs
December 21, 2023
I read this to Jude, and we think it was our favorite read aloud of 2023! The characters were the right amount of over-the-top, and we were super satisfied with the ending!
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