Product Description

Little Toot the tugboat conquers his fear of rough seas when he single-handedly rescues an ocean liner during a storm.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #939646 in Books
• Published on: 1992-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 96 pages

About the Author
Hardie Gramatky (1907–1979) was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in California. He worked as an animator for Walt Disney for several years, and in addition to the many children’s books he later wrote and illustrated, he was also a successful advertising and magazine cover artist.

Customer Reviews

I liked this book as a child; I still like it as an adult.
The story of a little tug boat who becomes a hero when none of the grown-ups could come to the rescue appealed to me when I first read this as a child over twenty years ago. As an adult, I think the illustrations appeal to me more than the narration did before.

1939 Classic Still Charms Children
"Little Toot" by Hardie Gramatky hit the bookshelves in 1939. It has never left. With art which remind readers of Virginia Burton's "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel," and a story with a message not unlike "The Little Engine That Could" Watty Piper, it is a classic.

The Plot:
Little Toot is a tugboat who, though he could create a sound, could create smoke. Like in "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf, Little Toot liked to spend his days peacefully. He would play instead of work, spinning Figure 8s. Other tugboats teased him, and soon, Little Toot had no friends.

One day, Little Toot wanders into the ocean, a deep and scary place, and so he sent an SOS smoke signal. The tugs all came to his rescue, but the waves held them back.

"Little Toot" is an adventure story for younger children. The smallest boat becomes a hero, like the young angel in "The Littlest Angel" by Charles Tazewell.

I fully recommend "Little Toot" by Hardie Gramatky.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

A Precious Memory
I had not seen this book for at least 3 decades. When I did see it, I knew I had to have a copy for myself. It was the first book I ever read and it brought back precious memories.

The story is about a frivolous young tugboat that would rather play than work. This damages his own and his family's reputation. By the time he is ready to turn over a new leaf, none will take him seriously. He does get his big chance, however, and redeems himself while saving the day when nobody else can.

This is the book that kindled my love of reading and stoked the fires of my fascination with ships. In that respect, it is still an influence in my life today.

For young readers, it is a good story in terms of entertainment and life lesson. The artwork helps as well. Great for kids!