Even though his family has moved inland, young Armien has "salt water in his veins" and can imagine no better life than to be a fisherman out of Kalk Bay. While visiting his aunt and uncle one weekend, he stows away on Uncle Faried's boat, the Rosie , determined to prove himself old enough to go to sea. He learns that the seafaring life is not only difficult but also very dangerous, as one of the crew is swept overboard by the rough waves. It's Armien who sounds the alarm enabling Faried to rescue the man. The sea calms and the fishermen come home to a good breakfast. It's Stock's luminous watercolors that extend this simple picture book, transporting readers to a faraway land. Impressionistic seascapes, the playful harbor seals, and the ethnic and cultural diversity of an African coastal village give the book a somewhat exotic appeal; but Armien's feelings, reactions, and dreams will speak to children everywhere. A joyous journey. --Luann Toth, School Library Journal
