Project Description
The Last Gold Diggers
by Harry Horse
Grandfather and Roo, a remarkable dog with strong views and a short attention span, are off to Australia, on an expedition to find long-lost Uncle Vincent, who ran away to seek his fortune years ago.
Roo is worried about Australia being upside down, but that turns out to be the least of their problems. After a tricky flight the intrepid explorers land in Sidney, Australia―not Sydney, as it turns out―and must advance up the Snakey River to Gold Town. Grandfather and Roo endure blistering heat, a rebellious camel, and disreputable kangaroos, as they head off on foot to find the Gold Field, last known home of Uncle Vincent.
Author-illustrator Harry Horse tells this hilarious, original story through Grandfather’s journal and letters written to his grandchild back home. Horse’s winsome pen-and-ink illustrations capture the charmingly eccentric personalities of Grandfather and his delightful canine companion. The result is a fanciful tale that will delight young and old alike.
Price: $12.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-435-8
Publication Date: 4/1/2008
Page Count: 128
Size: 5-1/2″ x 7-1/2″
Age Range: 6 – 10
Language: English
F&P: GRL P, Gr 3, Genre F
Lexile: NC960L
Themes: Australia, Fantasy, Letters, Travel
Reviews
“Many will enjoy reading between the lines and feeling smarter than the narrator.” ―Booklist
“This text is accessible for all early chapter-book readers, especially as simple black-and-white illustrations on nearly every page break up blocks of text. Silly fun.” ―Kirkus Reviews
Awards
Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education 2009
Charlotte Award suggested reading list (Intermediate) ―New York State Reading Association, 2010
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Meet the Author/Illustrator
Harry Horse wrote and illustrated many books for children, including the popular Little Rabbit picture books and several Middle Grade novels. He was also a political cartoonist for several national newspapers in the United Kingdom. He passed away in 2007.
