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PeachTree Publishers PeachTree Publishers
SECRET OF OLD ZEB, THE
Written by Carmen Agra Deedy
Illustrated by Michael P. White

Hardcover: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-115-9
Total Pages: 40
Size: 9 x 12

Paperback: $8.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-280-4
Total Pages: 36
Size: 9-5/8 x 12-1/4
Picture books, ages 6-10/Fiction

Carmen Agra Deedy was born in Havana, Cuba, and emigrated to Georgia with her family during the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution. A professional storyteller, she has performed at the Disney Institute, on Broadway at the New Victory Theater, at the Folger Shakespeare Library, and the Kennedy Center, as well as many other storytelling festivals nationwide. Deedy is a regular contributor to National Public Radio's "Weekend All Things Considered" and "Latino USA." Deedy lives in Georgia.You can visit Carmen Agra Deedy's website at: www.carmendeedy.com


Michael P. White is an award-winning fine artist and the illustrator of several children's books. He lives in Georgia.
You can visit Michael P. White's website at: www.michaelpwhite.com


Secret of Old Zeb, The

Some dreams are too big to be kept in bottles.

Accelerated Reader & Reading Counts Tests:
AR Quiz#: 18691
AR Reading Level: 3.2

WALTER HIGGINS IS a scrappy child with a great imagination, yet is still not quite sure of himself. In fact, he feels lost when he is shipped off to Boston to visit his unknown Great Aunt Hortensia ("the Warden") while his parents pursue their own dream of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Walter feels he is in for the worst summer ever. But then he befriends a mysterious neighbor, Old Zeb, a lonely, grizzled sailor who builds ships in bottles. Deep in the cavernous confines of the cellar, Old Zeb lets Walter in on the Great Secret Project and his lifelong dream.

All summer Water works faithfully on the Great Secret Project with Zeb and little by little, Old Zeb and Walter's unexpectedly wise Great Aunt Hortensia push him to realize his own dreams--"climb his own Kilimanjaro--and discover the magic that can be released when one reaches for the stars.

Click here for an informative teacher's guide to The Secret of Old Zeb!

Reviews

"The 'follow your dream' moral is prevalent throughout the text and reinforced by the dreamlike quality of the illustrations. Behind the talk of adventuring is a reassurance that even though adults have their own dreams and adventures, they still love and return to their children."

School Library Journal

"Cuban storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy has crafted a dashing tale packed with skullduggery, schooners and galleons. Wise guys will especially like young Walter’s witty narration and his sly (but never snide) asides."

Miami Herald

Awards

* 1997-1998 Southern Books Competition (Award of Merit)

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