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Little Tim
The Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain
Little Tim loves the sea but when he finally gets aboard a steamer, the steamer hits a rock and begins to sink
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1936
2 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Edward Ardizzone
192 books36 followersEdward Jeffrey Irving Ardizzone, CBE, RA was an English artist, writer and illustrator, chiefly of children's books.
For Tim All Alone (Oxford, 1956), which he wrote and illustrated, Ardizzone won the inaugural Kate Greenaway Medal from the Library Association, recognising the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject.
For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005) it was named one of the top ten winning works, selected by a panel to compose the ballot for a public election of the all-time favourite.
For Tim All Alone (Oxford, 1956), which he wrote and illustrated, Ardizzone won the inaugural Kate Greenaway Medal from the Library Association, recognising the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject.
For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005) it was named one of the top ten winning works, selected by a panel to compose the ballot for a public election of the all-time favourite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 10, 2015
Little Tim wants to be a sailor, but his parents tell him he's too young, even though his retired boatman friend has taught him all about ships. He decides to convince them by stowing away on a steamer. When he is discovered, he is put to work scrubbing the decks, which is a lot harder than he expected.
Here's where it is important to realize that this book is actually from the 1930s, not the 1980s as most of the entries indicated (I added this is a new edition, hopefully the correct date will now show up). If this were a modern publication I'm sure the point would be something about Tim missing his parents and realizing running away was a bad idea; he would soon be taken home and reunited with his parents, and gladly return to school.
But this book comes from an era when many children left school for work not much older than Tim (he looks about 8). After the initial few hours of labor, Tim adjusts to life at sea. The sailors are pleased that he works hard and doesn't whine, and teach him lots of useful things. He returns home only because the ship sinks in a storm. When the captain tell his parents how hard working and brave Tim was, the agree that he can become a sailor after all.
My copy of this is from 1955, and describes itself as "completely redrawn with additional text."
Here's where it is important to realize that this book is actually from the 1930s, not the 1980s as most of the entries indicated (I added this is a new edition, hopefully the correct date will now show up). If this were a modern publication I'm sure the point would be something about Tim missing his parents and realizing running away was a bad idea; he would soon be taken home and reunited with his parents, and gladly return to school.
But this book comes from an era when many children left school for work not much older than Tim (he looks about 8). After the initial few hours of labor, Tim adjusts to life at sea. The sailors are pleased that he works hard and doesn't whine, and teach him lots of useful things. He returns home only because the ship sinks in a storm. When the captain tell his parents how hard working and brave Tim was, the agree that he can become a sailor after all.
My copy of this is from 1955, and describes itself as "completely redrawn with additional text."
January 29, 2017
The reviews on this book are driving me crazy, so I'm gonna go off on a rant. You'd think every children's book published these days is about a child kept in a padded room; have these reviewers read any children's book? Yes, you can find cushy little tales of kindness (that are also very wonderful), like The Sandwich Swap, but you can also find books like Julia's House for Lost Creatures, where a little girl lives in a giant turtle and houses monsters or Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, where two boys dig a hole so far into the ground (and without permission) that they enter another dimension or something or The Man Who Walked Between the Towers which is about a dude who broke the law and did something seriously dangerous but thought it was all worth it. Meanwhile, a book published in the 40s, Johnny & the Monarch, is about a little boy who notices a butterfly and has a pet duck that lays eggs. Nobody would ever write that in POLITICALLY CORRECT 2015! No way!
People are so caught up in the idea of "these days" that they can't take a step back and actually look at what was published then and now and see that the differences aren't really in danger or independence or parental permission but rather in style and story structure.
It's backwards to talk about how books back then are just totally not appropriate for today's coddled society. I prefer older children's book because they're often much more wholesome and appreciative of a child's modest needs for entertainment. Rather than plying children with over-the-top ACTION and NEON COLORS and ROBOTS EVERYWHERE (I mean robots are cool, just not everywhere, you know) and CARTOON VIOLENCE and EMBARRASSING SLANG THAT ADULTS THINK THEY GET (cough Geronimo Stilton is all this and worse cough), older children's books just tend to tell a very simple story.
I do think it's weird that Little Tim's parents didn't seem to really care that much that he was gone, but the rest of the story is pretty neat, save for the pages when Tim is literally waiting for his death. That might be a bit too scary for the younger ones. But then, just don't tell them what Davy Jones's locker is, and maybe they won't care.
People are so caught up in the idea of "these days" that they can't take a step back and actually look at what was published then and now and see that the differences aren't really in danger or independence or parental permission but rather in style and story structure.
It's backwards to talk about how books back then are just totally not appropriate for today's coddled society. I prefer older children's book because they're often much more wholesome and appreciative of a child's modest needs for entertainment. Rather than plying children with over-the-top ACTION and NEON COLORS and ROBOTS EVERYWHERE (I mean robots are cool, just not everywhere, you know) and CARTOON VIOLENCE and EMBARRASSING SLANG THAT ADULTS THINK THEY GET (cough Geronimo Stilton is all this and worse cough), older children's books just tend to tell a very simple story.
I do think it's weird that Little Tim's parents didn't seem to really care that much that he was gone, but the rest of the story is pretty neat, save for the pages when Tim is literally waiting for his death. That might be a bit too scary for the younger ones. But then, just don't tell them what Davy Jones's locker is, and maybe they won't care.
September 21, 2019
پیتر هانت یکی از بزرگترین نظریه پردازان ادبیات کودک در جهان است و عملا اولین کسی است که مطالعه و نظریه پردازی درباره ادبیات کودک را وارد دانشگاه کرد. او ده کتاب کودک را انتخاب و پیشنهاد کرده که ترجمه فارسی آنها را هم انتشارات علمی و فرهنگی منتشر کرده است. :
1- خانم حنا به گردش می رود
2- می خوایم یه خرس شکار کنیم
3- به آب نزدیک نشودخترم
4- سفر به سرزمین وحشی ها
5- آبی کوچولو و زرد کوچولو
6- گوریل
7- داستان خرگوش کوچولو
8- اما فردیناند این کار را نکرد
9- بهترین دوستان
10- پسرک و ناخدای شجاع
1- خانم حنا به گردش می رود
2- می خوایم یه خرس شکار کنیم
3- به آب نزدیک نشودخترم
4- سفر به سرزمین وحشی ها
5- آبی کوچولو و زرد کوچولو
6- گوریل
7- داستان خرگوش کوچولو
8- اما فردیناند این کار را نکرد
9- بهترین دوستان
10- پسرک و ناخدای شجاع
August 6, 2021
دهمین کتاب از ده کتاب کلاسیک کودک منتخب پیتر هانت/
به طرز عجیبی فقط تو کتابای کودکه که اینقدر همه با ماجراجویی راحت برخورد میکنن. انقدر راحت که میتونی از خونه فرار کنی، چیزی که میخوای رو تجربه کنی و اینقدر راحت پذیرفته بشی.
تصویرسازی خیلی تمیزی داشت، رنگها خیلی تمیز انتخاب شده بودن. تجربه لذت بخشی بود. ذهن بزرگسالم همش میخواست تو رویاهای پسره باشه قضیه.
به طرز عجیبی فقط تو کتابای کودکه که اینقدر همه با ماجراجویی راحت برخورد میکنن. انقدر راحت که میتونی از خونه فرار کنی، چیزی که میخوای رو تجربه کنی و اینقدر راحت پذیرفته بشی.
تصویرسازی خیلی تمیزی داشت، رنگها خیلی تمیز انتخاب شده بودن. تجربه لذت بخشی بود. ذهن بزرگسالم همش میخواست تو رویاهای پسره باشه قضیه.
August 13, 2019
از خوبهای ادبیات کلاسیک کودک،پیشنهاد پیتر هانت از بزرگترین نظریه پردازان ادبیات کودک.
January 24, 2020
I really appreciated the old-fashioned feel and artistry of this book. It was a well told story!
I just wish that the author had made more of a point about the error of running away by not awarding Tim in the end. If not for that, I would have given four stars. Still a good read and one older children should fully grasp.
Ages: 4 - 9
Cleanliness: Tim runs away from home. When he returns, the Mayor awards him a medal for bravery at sea. Tim sips grog and a man is smoking a pipe.
**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! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
I just wish that the author had made more of a point about the error of running away by not awarding Tim in the end. If not for that, I would have given four stars. Still a good read and one older children should fully grasp.
Ages: 4 - 9
Cleanliness: Tim runs away from home. When he returns, the Mayor awards him a medal for bravery at sea. Tim sips grog and a man is smoking a pipe.
**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! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
July 28, 2016
Published in 1936, the illustrations are very detailed. Altering in color pages then black and white, back to color again, this is a story of Tim who lives by the sea, and he is obsessed with the sea and boats. He loves all kinds of boats, steamers and then small little ones.
His friends are the old boatman and Captain McFee, both of whom spin marvelous tales of their adventures. Longing to be a sailor and venture forth upon the sea, his parents tell him to wait for a long time until he is older.
One day, Tim is given a ride to board a steamer. Tim boarded the steamer and hid so that the boat man would forget him Little did he know that he would be put to work scrubbing the decks, helping the cook and running errands. When a storm approached with wicked waves that tossed the boat to and fro, Tim learned that time at sea is not always joyous.
Cute and whimsical, I enjoyed this story which I'm sure delighted many children throughout the history of the book.
His friends are the old boatman and Captain McFee, both of whom spin marvelous tales of their adventures. Longing to be a sailor and venture forth upon the sea, his parents tell him to wait for a long time until he is older.
One day, Tim is given a ride to board a steamer. Tim boarded the steamer and hid so that the boat man would forget him Little did he know that he would be put to work scrubbing the decks, helping the cook and running errands. When a storm approached with wicked waves that tossed the boat to and fro, Tim learned that time at sea is not always joyous.
Cute and whimsical, I enjoyed this story which I'm sure delighted many children throughout the history of the book.
December 27, 2015
My six year old daughter loved this book. I said "ugh but it's so long" and she said "that's why I like it!" She has a point though. Sometimes these older kids books with tons of text can be entertaining precisely because they don't dumb things down as much and expect readers to have a longer attention span.
I liked all the period details and the depiction of sailing, being a castaway, running into a storm and general danger at sea. Nice illustrations in a washed out style. The repeated references to hot cocoa made me want hot cocoa.
Recommended.
I liked all the period details and the depiction of sailing, being a castaway, running into a storm and general danger at sea. Nice illustrations in a washed out style. The repeated references to hot cocoa made me want hot cocoa.
Recommended.
February 26, 2019
A beautifully illustrated book. I love Ardizzone's style. A fun fantasy for little children of running away to sea, but I am sure it wouldn't end so well in reality.
June 16, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/everglades-3...
https://numberoneboats.com/everglades...
https://theboatyacht.com/jupiter-34-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/jupiter-34...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/everglades-3...
https://numberoneboats.com/everglades...
https://theboatyacht.com/jupiter-34-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/jupiter-34...
October 16, 2024
Chimu is found by the captain of a large steamer he happened to board. Under the captain's strict but warm guidance, Chim begins working as a deck sweeper. Although he is at first perplexed, Chimu uses his natural courage to start his career as a sailor.
During his tumultuous days on the open sea, he sometimes finds himself in dangerous situations, such as being caught in a storm or running aground. However, Chim never gives up. He struggles to overcome difficulties with passion while strengthening his bond with the captain.
The wonderful thing about this work is the vivid portrayal of the characters. The captain, in particular, is a charming character who is stern and yet somehow warm. He watches over Chimu's development from the shadows, and at times, gives him a stern pep talk. His interactions with the captain add spice to the story.
Ardizzoni's seascapes are also wonderful, with the vast ocean, raging waves, and beautiful sunsets. The vastness of the sea, the raging waves, and the beautiful sunsets are so realistically depicted that you feel as if you were there, making you want to turn the pages.
This picture book reminds us of the importance of courage and friendship through the story of a boy's growth.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
During his tumultuous days on the open sea, he sometimes finds himself in dangerous situations, such as being caught in a storm or running aground. However, Chim never gives up. He struggles to overcome difficulties with passion while strengthening his bond with the captain.
The wonderful thing about this work is the vivid portrayal of the characters. The captain, in particular, is a charming character who is stern and yet somehow warm. He watches over Chimu's development from the shadows, and at times, gives him a stern pep talk. His interactions with the captain add spice to the story.
Ardizzoni's seascapes are also wonderful, with the vast ocean, raging waves, and beautiful sunsets. The vastness of the sea, the raging waves, and the beautiful sunsets are so realistically depicted that you feel as if you were there, making you want to turn the pages.
This picture book reminds us of the importance of courage and friendship through the story of a boy's growth.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
January 11, 2018
i loved this book, it is so completely wrong compared w/2017. Little boy is friends w/the old single sailor who hangs out by the docks and goes to the old man's house by himself. The boy wants to be a sailor but parents laugh at him. Sailor asks boy if he wants to go on his boat out to the ship docked in the harbor, boy says yes of course. They get to the ship, boy hides from everybody, old sailor forgets him and goes back home. Boy is found and forced to scrub the deck of the ship. Ship heads out to sea sea and hits rocks and sinks, last minute all are saved by a rescue boat. Rescue boat drops them off at some port, boy takes train home and sees parents and old sailor waiting for him. Boy them asks parents if he can go sailing w/the old sailor again. Of course say the parents.
This is written as an eight year old's fantasy but imagine reading it aloud to a kid. don't talk to strangers. don't go to a single man's house by yourself. don't walk all around town by yourself. don't go sailing w/out asking. if you captain a ship call somebody if you find a stowaway.
The kid must have had a huge inheritance that would go to the parents if anything happened to him.
This is written as an eight year old's fantasy but imagine reading it aloud to a kid. don't talk to strangers. don't go to a single man's house by yourself. don't walk all around town by yourself. don't go sailing w/out asking. if you captain a ship call somebody if you find a stowaway.
The kid must have had a huge inheritance that would go to the parents if anything happened to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2020
Disappointing. I love Ardizzone illustrations (in books by other authors), but this book seemed written in order to shove in as many illustrations as possible, and quantity does not beat quality. The story has no whimsy, wit, or magic—and it seems awfully unlikely, but without a nod and a wink that makes unlikely behaviour acceptable in fiction. I'd be surprised that it spawned a popular series, except apparently Thomas the Tank Engine is a runway hit, and I think those are essentially unreadable, so there's no accounting for taste.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, but I grade on a curve!
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, but I grade on a curve!
March 24, 2022
Normally I don’t take kindly to stories with logic errors. However, after reading “Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain,” I must say that I really like this one because it showcases a child setting off on pursuing his dream despite what his parents initially told him. Although I do find it questionable that the sea captain didn’t tell his parents that he was going to wish their son off on a high sea adventure, as an Asian American creative who was (ironically) bullied by her parents after she got her papers from schools for creative thinkers, I find this story to be one worth reading for generations to come. I must be lucky to have found this on my boyfriend’s shelf. His name is also Tim, by the way. ;)
June 5, 2024
Up until now I've only ever read about Ardizzone in illustration text books, and it was so nice to actually read a book of his published in 1936. There is something magical about reading and viewing children's books from almost a century ago. It feels like a portal into the past and how we as humans were trying to convey certain concepts to our next generations of readers in a completely different time, that, to me, feels so distant and different from the years we are living in now which are so consumed by technology. There is a pureness in this storytelling in both the words and pictures that I'm not sure exists today in picture books, and I can see why Professor Martin Salisbury keeps the work of Ardizzone alive in his books on illustration. An obvious 5 star book for me.
May 25, 2021
Pretty much everything perfect in a children's book, a not too baby-ish story and lovely ink and watercolor illustrations. It's all made even more perfect for our family by being set on the English coast with all sorts of lovely sailorish things. Completely delightful, and so excited to read more Little Tim books!
August 11, 2022
Found this book at a used book sale at the library and was intrigued by the Ardizzone illustrations! This book is not a modern read at all, but that is what gives it the charm and adventure of a boy book for its time period. I enjoyed this adventure of Tim who stows away on a steamer from days gone by.
June 3, 2025
Kids loved it. Seemed so unlikely for a small child to accidentally on purpose get left on a boat and go out to sea without his parents noticing, that the intensity of waiting for the ship to sink didn’t bother them. The whole thing felt implausible and thus almost like a fairy story in another time and place.
December 14, 2018
First in a series about the title character Tim who is according to the title little, this one he stows away on a ship and of course hijinks ensue. Average short read for the youngsters is fairly forgettable.
July 9, 2022
I grew up on the North East Kent coast, love Ardizzone's illustrations and was named for the character as my older brother had the book when I was born. Everything in Ardizzone's illustrations is just 'right'. I can smell the sea and hear it breaking on the shingle shore, l love these books!!
June 12, 2024
I loved so many things about this adventure for Tim - the higher literary merit for young children, the quality of the illustrations... but the fact that Tim snuck away and was ultimately rewarded at the conclusion of the story dropped this from a potential 4 star to 2.
July 28, 2017
نگاه نویسنده به دوران کودکی نگاه ارزشمندیه.
June 5, 2018
The boys like the action, I didn’t like the boy running away and consider that a brave thing.
October 29, 2018
A sweet little picture book about a boy who wants to go to sea, does so, and finds that it's more than he expected, in both good and bad ways.
December 29, 2019
I love these books!
February 20, 2020
Totally one of my favorites as a kid. I love all that is going on in the Illustrations.
March 13, 2020
می دانم که اگر در کودکی خوانده بودمش عاشق تر از اینم می کرد!
آخ!
دریای بی کرانه...
آخ!
دریای بی کرانه...
August 30, 2021
Open Library.
March 8, 2024
Nice old fashioned story!
October 26, 2024
3.5 stars
A nice story about a curious boy, Tim, who wants to be a sailor so sneaks off as a stowaway. He faces hard work and a bad storm.
A nice story about a curious boy, Tim, who wants to be a sailor so sneaks off as a stowaway. He faces hard work and a bad storm.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews