The Killick: A Newfoundland Story by Butler, Geoff (Told and Illustrated by) - 1995

Montreal / Plattsburgh NY.: Tundra Books., 1995. Hard cover. Very good. No dust jacket. Near fine. Light cover reading wear.. 1 Illustrated glossy paper over boards. Horizontal format: 26x22 cm. Colorful artwork plates; smaller B&W. Audience: Children/juvenile. A "Killick"of stone and a lashed framework of sticks was used on small boats such as a dory, providing ballast or anchoring perhaps and is a symbol of the bygone life oceanside on the Canadian eastern islands. Young George, at 12, helps his grandfather boat across a span of winter waters to an island on Armistace Day to honor his late grandmother and others. Cold weather creates an ice flow on their return trip, and his grandfather's experience, skill, and storytelling provide shelter and calm during the weather crisis. It will be two days before a rescue boat arrives. This is a beautifully illustrated and bravely told family tale in a land where challenges mark the seasons. A glossary and Newfoundland history follow.