Penguin is missing – still missing we’re told by the little boy narrating the story. He and Grandad look all over the house, but there’s no sign, not even in the dressing up box or under the forgotten bathtub in the cellar.
Spotting an old globe, the boy comes to a decision: with not a moment to lose, the two create a boat out of the bits and pieces in the cellar (including the bathtub) and set sail for the open sea. After a few misdirections, they find Penguin, and quite a few of her friends too.
Children will love the way the story leaves Grandad’s comfortable house and veers into wild adventure as the two sail on their search across the sea – beautifully rendered in Usher’s rolling watercolours - in their bathtub boat. Other satisfactions include the perfectly described relationship between the boy and his silent but wonderfully expressive Grandad.
Following Zoom!, Clang is the second book in a new quartet from Sam Usher featuring the much-loved Boy and Grandad.
Boy has lost his beloved toy penguin. He and grandad have looked all over the place but she's nowhere to be seen. Boy thinks he might know where she's gone, but if they're going to find her, they need to build a big boat!
In this thrilling new story, Clang! sees Boy and Grandad use their resourcefulness to turn an old bath into a seaworthy vessel, and navigate all the way to the South Pole. Along the way, they encounter a variety of ships, submarines and even pirates.
A delightful family read, exploring creativity and deftly introducing subtle science facts - all the while following the enduring and heart-warming Boy-Grandad relationship.
Sam Usher graduated from the University of West England and his debut picture book Can You See Sassoon? was shortlisted for the Waterstones Prize and the Red House Children's Book Award. He is particularly admired for his technical drawing skill and prowess with watercolour. Also a talented pianist, when he's not holding a pen and wobbling at paper you'll find him perfecting a fiendishly difficult piece of Chopin. He is also creator of the bestselling seasonal series about a boy and his grandfather.