The Call Of The Osprey
The door of the boatshed creaked slowly open and a young boy peered inside. His face lit up in wonder as he looked around.When Tom Stevenson meets the Captain he enters and extraordinary world of blisters and barnacles, pirates and gun-runners, shipwrecks and sea creatures. Working side by side to slowly restore an old steam boat, their friendship grows and strengthens.
Publisher: Fremantle Press
Illustrations: Brian Harrison-Lever
Awards
Shortlisted, Western Australian Premier’s Book Award, 2004
“
The Call of the Osprey is a poignant and beautiful story about dedication, loyalty and friendship. Author Norman Jorgensen is a master storyteller – spinning a tale which touches and educates as it entertains. His pairing with illustrator Brian Harrison-Lever is ideal. Harrison- Lever’s depictions of the characters, the boat and the sea, echo the mood of the story perfectly. From the seascapes on the endpapers to the character studies of his close ups, the tone and detail of his art complements the story.
”
Aussie Reviews
The Call of the Osprey is a new book by the Childrens Book Council prize-winning duo, Norman Jorgensen and Brian Harrison-Lever. This time they have used their considerable talents to tell the story of an old retired sea captain who rescues an abandoned paddle steamer and rebuilds it with the help of a young boy, Tom. Over several years the Captain and Tom work together to restore the boat to its former glory, and as the boat is gradually rebuilt, so their relationship deepens. Finally, when the boat is ready to be re-launched, the Captain, realizing his life is coming to an end, hands over the reins to Tom who, now a young man, is ready to accept the responsibility of captain. Beautifully illustrated with the exquisite watercolor paintings of Brian Harrison-Lever, this book is a timeless story of love and friendship that will be passed down from generation to generation. Shortlisted for the 2004 Western Australia Premiers Books Awards.
